Federal authorities have arrested five men in connection with an alleged terror plot targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, following a concerned mother’s phone call to local police that set the investigation in motion.
Law enforcement officers arrived at the home of 19-year-old Tycen Proper on the evening of June 10 after receiving a call about a disturbance from his mother. What began as a domestic welfare check quickly escalated into a federal investigation when Proper allegedly revealed plans for an attack involving explosive drones and sniper rifles, according to FBI Task Force Officer Christopher Betts in a criminal complaint filed in federal court.
The mother’s concerns stemmed from what she described as troubling changes in her son’s behavior. She reported to police that Proper had recently made firearms purchases and had been communicating with certain individuals online. These observations prompted her to contact authorities, a decision that may have prevented a significant act of violence.
During the initial police response, officers spoke with Proper and both of his parents. The father informed investigators that his son had recently met individuals online and had been planning reconnaissance missions with these contacts. The mother provided additional details in a subsequent FBI interview, explaining that Proper had begun interacting with an online group whose members claimed to be former military personnel with Christian affiliations.
According to the complaint, this group expressed what the mother characterized as ultra-religious and anti-government sentiments. Their grievances included concerns about government corruption, particularly regarding the handling of the Epstein files, as well as complaints about data centers consuming water resources in local communities.
The mother’s observations extended to physical evidence of preparation. She noted that Proper had engaged in physical training and had been researching and mapping locations northwest of Washington. She also observed images and maps being transmitted to him through text messages and Discord, and she overheard him speaking with these individuals by phone.
Federal investigators determined that the alleged plot specifically targeted wealthy individuals and Republican politicians whom the conspirators believed to be compromised by foreign influence. Among those identified as potential targets were Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia, Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Representative Carol Miller of West Virginia, and Representative Riley Moore of West Virginia.
The criminal complaint reveals that members of the group stated they wanted to protect the United States, which they believed was headed in the wrong direction. Their stated objective was to dismantle the current system so that it could be rebuilt according to their vision.
The case raises significant questions about online radicalization and the role of digital platforms in facilitating extremist planning. It also underscores the importance of family vigilance and the willingness of concerned relatives to contact authorities when they observe alarming behavioral changes.
All five suspects remain in federal custody as the investigation continues. The swift intervention by local police and federal agents appears to have prevented what could have been a catastrophic attack on a high-profile event attended by numerous government officials and civilians.
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