Federal prosecutors have released disturbing new details about an alleged terror plot that authorities say could have resulted in one of the deadliest attacks on American political leadership in modern history.
The case centers on five men accused of planning what investigators described as a “mass casualty event” targeting President Donald Trump and other high-profile officials during Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House. The suspects were arrested in June as part of a multi-state operation, and newly unsealed court documents paint a picture of a scheme that allegedly grew increasingly elaborate as the group refined its plans.
The five suspects have been identified as Tycen C. Proper, 19, of Ohio; Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of California; Michael Alan Thomas, 32, of California; Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Missouri; and Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Nebraska.
According to prosecutors, the group’s primary plan involved explosive-laden drones that would be flown over the event and detonated above the crowd. Investigators allege the purpose was not simply to cause chaos but to force attendees, including senior government officials and other designated “high-value targets,” toward a specific evacuation route.
Authorities say that route was intended to serve as a kill zone.
Court documents allege the suspects planned to position multiple sniper teams near a southern evacuation point. Prosecutors claim those teams were instructed to target high-profile officials first, followed by Secret Service personnel, National Guard members, and other responding law enforcement officers. Investigators further allege that encrypted communications included coded references for intended targets, including President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and entrepreneur Elon Musk.
The allegations do not stop there.
According to investigators, members of the group discussed stealing military ordnance after concluding they lacked the expertise needed to manufacture sufficient explosives themselves. Prosecutors say conversations centered on the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant as a potential source of materials.
Authorities also claim the suspects anticipated a massive law enforcement response and began planning for life after the attack. Court records describe discussions involving safe houses, hidden bunkers, and even contingency plans to free members who might be arrested.
Perhaps most alarming are the motives investigators say fueled the alleged conspiracy.
According to court filings, some members subscribed to a mixture of anti-government beliefs, antisemitic narratives, and bizarre conspiracy theories involving secret elites, satanic rituals, and child sacrifice. Prosecutors allege that one suspect maintained a journal containing a list of 46 politicians, public figures, and celebrities. Investigators also claim some members researched potential targets using online databases tied to political and pro-Israel advocacy groups.
The group’s arsenal allegedly expanded through personal spending and crowdfunding efforts. Prosecutors say Proper used thousands of dollars from graduation funds to purchase weapons, ammunition, and protective gear, while other members allegedly sought contributions to finance drones and explosive devices.
As the criminal case moves forward, many questions remain unanswered. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court, and prosecutors will ultimately have to prove their allegations before a jury.
