The families of two men arrested for allegedly planning an attack at a UFC event near the White House had seen warning signs before authorities intervened. One mother had even contacted police days prior, worried about her son’s alarming online behavior and an unusually large cache of weapons he had collected.
A federal complaint from California reveals that 24-year-old Brian Omar Lohr, from Calimesa, California, made troubling statements to his family, hinting that he would soon disappear and mentioning plans to travel to Washington, D.C., where he expected “something big” to happen.
On June 10, just days before the planned incident, Lohr’s family discovered he had left home. They briefly considered alerting authorities but decided against it, returning home instead.
On the same day, officers in Ohio were sent to the home of Theisen Propper, whose mother had expressed concerns regarding his recent acquisitions of firearms and online activities. Police spoke with him, and he was taken to a hospital for evaluation due to his aggressive thoughts.
Fox News Digital attempted to reach the FBI in Cincinnati and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for further details about whether the mother’s call had any impact on preventing the alleged plot, but both agencies declined to comment due to the active investigation.
The FBI’s Los Angeles office likewise did not provide specific details concerning Lohr but mentioned that their investigation was ongoing. Family members had informed authorities that Lohr appeared intent on going to D.C. for violent purposes, noting changes in his demeanor, such as increased anxiety and isolation, and excessive time spent discharging firearms.
Lohr’s family also mentioned that he had car troubles around June 9, which left him upset, yet he still attempted to travel to the capital before returning home.
Meanwhile, Propper, 19, had reportedly met various strangers online and planned to undertake reconnaissance with them, purchasing considerable equipment, including camp gear, a shotgun, and body armor. He allegedly spent around $3,000 from his graduation money preparing for these “missions.”
Law enforcement involvement in Propper’s case led to the FBI getting involved the following day, which resulted in interviews and the acquisition of evidence, including significant amounts of ammunition and rifles, voluntarily surrendered by Propper’s family.
The complaint details that Lohr, Propper, and three others intended to wield drones equipped with explosives to incite panic during the UFC event, allowing other armed individuals positioned nearby to take aim at fleeing attendees, including specific “high-value targets.” They had established roles among themselves, ranging from shooter to drone operator.
The DOJ revealed charges against Lohr and another man, Michael Alan Thomas, for conspiracy to commit murder, while Propper faces charges in Ohio that include conspiracy against the U.S., attempted murder of military personnel, and illegal firearm possession.
All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty, and the ongoing case limits statements from officials regarding the details.
