Eight individuals have been indicted on federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a complex attack on the White House's Ultimate Fighting Championship event last month, according to an indictment unsealed Thursday in Ohio. The plot, which authorities say involved drones and sniper rifles, was thwarted days before the June 14 event.
The indictment accuses the defendants of two separate conspiracies: providing material support to terrorists and conspiring to commit murder on federal property, including the murder of a government official. The charges carry potential sentences ranging from 15 years to life in prison.
FBI Director Details Rapid Response
FBI Director Kash Patel announced last month that a coordinated multistate operation had disrupted the plan after federal agents uncovered the scheme through encrypted Signal chats on June 10, just four days before the event. “Thanks to the rapid action of this FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation, multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold,” Patel said in a statement posted to social media.
According to court documents, the defendants began organizing in May through online chat groups and forums, eventually agreeing on targets for the UFC event, which was held at the White House. The alleged plan included killing President Trump, Vice President Vance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, billionaire Elon Musk, and “other high value targets.”
Defendants Named in Indictment
The Justice Department identified the eight defendants as Abraham H. Alvarez, Daniel K. Eskridge, William L.S. Falkner, Tycen J. Proper, Jordan W. Rincker, Bryan O. Roa, Chandler D. Scaggs, and Michael A. Thomas. The indictment consolidates earlier criminal complaints filed in multiple districts into a single federal case.
This case follows heightened security concerns around high-profile political events. In a separate incident, a court recently revealed an alleged confession note in the Charlie Kirk murder case, underscoring the ongoing threats faced by public figures.
The conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, while the murder conspiracy charge carries a potential life sentence. The DOJ emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be filed.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, lawmakers are also grappling with emerging security challenges. A bipartisan House duo is demanding federal action on AI election risks, highlighting the evolving nature of threats to democratic institutions.
The White House has not commented on the indictment, but the event's security protocols are under review. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio.
