Federal grand jury indicts 8 men
A federal grand jury returned an indictment on July 9, 2026, charging eight men over an alleged coordinated plan targeting UFC Freedom 250 at the White House during June 2026.
The two-count indictment was returned in Columbus, Ohio. It replaced criminal complaints previously filed across several federal districts and brought all eight defendants into a single coordinated federal prosecution.
UFC Freedom 250 proceeds without disruption
UFC Freedom 250 took place on June 14, 2026, on the White House South Lawn in Washington. Federal authorities had learned about the alleged plan four days before the event.
President Donald Trump attended his 80th birthday alongside administration officials, UFC leaders, athletes, and invited guests. The program also marked the approaching 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Investigators outline alleged drone plan
Federal investigators allege that participants planned to deploy small drones carrying explosives near the arena. The devices were intended to trigger an evacuation during the scheduled White House public event.
Other participants allegedly planned to occupy positions outside the grounds as attendees left. Court records also describe assigned roles, communications, transportation arrangements, observation points, meeting locations, and possible escape routes.
FBI learns of threat on June 10
The FBI learned about the possible threat on June 10, 2026, 4 days before UFC Freedom 250. Investigators interviewed Tycen C. Proper, 19, at a medical facility in Ohio on June 11 after local authorities and the FBI were alerted to concerns about his recent conduct and online contacts.
Federal filings say participants used encrypted communications to discuss targets, equipment, travel, recruitment, and roles. The July indictment alleges that the charged conspiracy to provide material support and resources began in May 2026.
Indictment names all 8 defendants
The indictment names Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, Daniel K. Eskridge, William Lee Spartacus Falkner, Tycen C. Proper, Jordan W. Rincker, Bryan Omar Roa, Chandler D. Scaggs, and Michael Alan Thomas together.
The defendants ranged from 19 to 32 years old. Their listed residences covered eight communities across Nebraska, Missouri, Washington, Ohio, California, and West Virginia, representing six different states in total.
Federal filing contains 2 counts
The indictment charges all eight men with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists. That count carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison after any federal conviction.
The second count alleges a conspiracy to cause fatal harm on federal territory and target a federal official. That charge carries a possible life sentence, and every defendant remains presumed innocent.
Online platforms carried discussions
Federal filings say participants used Signal, SimpleX, Discord, TikTok, and Instagram. Prosecutors allege that members discussed possible targets, recruited participants, assigned responsibilities, and encouraged preparations through those online communication platforms.
The indictment lists money, firearms, ammunition, body armor, explosives, drones, medical equipment, communications equipment, personnel, and services. Prosecutors also allege that several members participated in marksmanship and combat training exercises.
Court records describe assigned roles
Court records describe four operational tiers: ground teams, drivers, drone operators, and logistical supporters, as well as online promoters. Selected participants allegedly received specific assignments connected to the proposed White House operation.
Messages cited by prosecutors discussed obtaining drones and explosive components for about $1,300. Other exchanges covered launch locations, observation points, transportation plans, meeting places, equipment needs, and possible escape routes.
Federal searches recover equipment
Federal agents recovered firearms, ammunition, magazines, tactical gear, radios, and phones during searches tied to the case in multiple states. Court filings also describe maps, messages, and other digital evidence that prosecutors say supported the alleged planning for the White House event.
The available records describe alleged planning, purchases, training, and preparation rather than a completed attack. UFC Freedom 250 proceeded as scheduled, and authorities said the event was held without incident.
Federal arrests span several states
Five men were arrested during the UFC Freedom 250 weekend in Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, and California. Federal authorities announced those initial charges on June 16, two days after the event.
William Lee Spartacus Falkner was arrested on June 19 in Washington, and Jordan W. Rincker was arrested on June 21 in Missouri. Chandler D. Scaggs was detained in West Virginia before the July indictment.
Chandler Scaggs becomes eighth defendant
Prosecutors allege Chandler D. Scaggs received a long-range assignment and planned to travel to Washington. Court records say he lost contact with Proper but remained willing to participate in the alleged plan.
Authorities separately charged Alexander Iniguez Mercado in Illinois with obstruction of justice. Prosecutors allege that he deleted Signal after an FBI agent contacted him about messages concerning preparations for the event.
Court records identify alleged targets
Court records identified President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, lawmakers, business figures, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu among the alleged targets. Netanyahu did not attend UFC Freedom 250.
The White House event included senior administration officials and other prominent guests. Investigators disrupted the alleged preparations before the plan could be carried out, and the program proceeded without incident.
Federal case moves into one prosecution
The July 9 indictment replaced criminal complaints previously filed in several federal districts and brought the 8 defendants into 1 case in Columbus. All 8 men now face the same 2 conspiracy counts in the consolidated Ohio prosecution.
Prosecutors from the Southern District of Ohio and the Justice Department’s National Security Division are handling the case. The indictment contains allegations only, and every defendant remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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Do the federal charges show that authorities acted early enough, or do they raise new questions about security around major White House events? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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