Failed Terror Plot Indictments Following UFC Event
Eight individuals have been indicted on charges related to terrorism after a thwarted plan to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House. Authorities claim these suspects intended to harm multiple government officials, military personnel, and other notable attendees during the event, which coincided with President Donald Trump’s birthday last month.
The indictment was issued by a federal grand jury on Thursday, changing the initial criminal complaint filed across various jurisdictions. The charges include conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, conspiracy to commit murder on federal grounds, and murder of federal employees.
The Department of Justice indicated that the suspects aimed to target several high-profile figures, including the president, Vice President J.D. Vance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and billionaire Elon Musk.
When the FBI initially announced that the plot had been foiled, they noted that the defendants were gradually being identified, with multiple arrests already made.
The group reportedly planned attacks using explosives and snipers, communicating through online platforms such as Signal, SimpleX, Discord, TikTok, and Instagram.
The Justice Department has since released a full list of suspects, along with the aliases they adopted online:
- Tysen C. Proper, 19, from Danville, Ohio; also known as Prox.
- Abraham H. Alvarez, 31, from Omaha, Nebraska; known as a shepherd.
- Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, from Hamilton, Missouri; also recognized as Fulcrum.
- Brian O. Lohr, 25, from Calimesa, California; known as Noble.
- Michael A. Thomas, 32, from Pinion Hills, California; known as Whiskey Six.
- William L.S. Faulkner, 21, from Belfair, Washington; known as Pepsi.
- Jordan W. Rinker, 28, from St. Joseph, Missouri; called Wrinkly Schron.
- Chandler D. Skaggs, 21, from Chapmanville, West Virginia; known as SOG’s Viper.
Initially, charges against Proper were filed in the Southern District of Ohio. Over the event weekend, four others were arrested, facing charges in Missouri, Nebraska, and California. The FBI later apprehended three additional suspects in Washington and Missouri, bringing further criminal charges against them. The last suspect was captured this week in West Virginia.
In an affidavit, Proper purportedly stated that the group’s plan involved deploying an explosive-laden drone dubbed the “Claw” to the north side of the UFC building, luring participants to the south side where members would then open fire on the crowd.
If found guilty of conspiring to assist terrorists, the defendants could face up to 15 years in prison. The conspiracy to commit murder charge carries a possible life sentence.
