Worried Mother Alerts Authorities to Son’s Alleged Plot on UFC Event

Authorities have unraveled an alleged plot to attack a UFC event at the White House, thanks to a concerned mother’s vigilance regarding her son’s behaviors and activities.

Mother’s Concern Leads to Authorities’ Intervention

Tycen Proper, a 19-year-old from Ohio, attracted the attention of investigators when his mother noticed his growing interest in firearms, tactical gear, and secretive online communications. Alarmed by her son’s behavior, she reached out to authorities.

Details of the Alleged Plot

Federal authorities claim Proper was involved in a scheme to target UFC Freedom 250, which took place on June 14 on the White House South Lawn. The alleged plot included plans for explosive-laden drones, sniper positions, and coordinated attacks on participants.

A criminal complaint indicates Proper’s mother witnessed him researching locations around Washington, D.C., and receiving maps and images via text and Discord. After confronting her son, Proper reportedly described the group’s intentions as “recon” and “hit and run missions,” which she interpreted as potential shootings.

Authorities Act on Mother’s Concerns

On June 10, Proper’s mother contacted authorities due to her son’s recent firearms acquisitions and online interactions. Proper’s father stated his son was planning “recons” with individuals he met online and planned to meet them during the weekend of June 13.

Proper allegedly purchased firearms, body armor, ammunition, and tactical gear, spending approximately $3,000. Family members voluntarily surrendered these items to law enforcement.

The mother reported her son’s engagement with an online group claiming military backgrounds and Christian affiliations. His focus on physical training and tactical readiness raised further concerns.

Investigation Unveils Attack Plans

Following the local authority’s notification to the FBI, investigators examined Proper’s phone, discovering Signal chats detailing attack plans for the UFC event, featuring explosive drones and shooters at escape routes.

Proper allegedly admitted involvement in planning discussions. The UFC event at the White House was hosted by President Donald Trump, marking his 80th birthday.

Recognition of Family Intervention’s Significance

Retired FBI agent Jason Pack emphasized the critical role of family observations and reports in averting such threats.

“That’s how this got stopped,” Pack stated.

Retired FBI supervisory agent Rob Chadwick lauded the mother’s courage in reporting suspicious conduct, recognizing the importance of surveillance in the context of increasing political violence.