Eight individuals have been indicted on federal charges for allegedly plotting a drone and sniper attack targeting President Trump and other government officials during a UFC event held at the White House.
The suspects, who prosecutors say used monikers such as "Shriveled Shlong," "Whiskey Six," and "Viper of the S.O.G.," are charged with conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory, conspiracy to murder a federal government official, and conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists.
According to the indictment, the group began amassing funds, firearms, ammunition, body armor, explosives, drones, and communication equipment in May. They allegedly communicated their plans through online platforms including Signal, Discord, TikTok, and Instagram.
The indictment states that the group identified President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Elon Musk, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as potential "high-value targets" for the UFC Freedom 250 event, which took place on the South Lawn on June 14.
Abraham H. Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, is identified as the group's leader, operating under the code name "Shepard." Prosecutors outlined a hierarchical structure within the plotters, with "tier one" members committing to actively participate and potentially go into hiding.
Tycen J. Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio, allegedly known as "Prox," reportedly spent $3,000 of his "graduation money" on weapons. William L. S. Falkner, 21, of Belfair, Washington, identified as "Pepsi," is accused of using a 3D printer to construct drones. Other indicted individuals include Jordan W. Rinker, 28, of St. Joseph, Missouri ("Shriveled Shlong"); Chandler D. Scaggs, 21, of Chapmanville, West Virginia ("Viper of the S.O.G."); and Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Hamilton, Missouri ("Fulcrum"). Michael A. Thomas, 32, of Pinon Hills, California ("Whiskey Six"), and Bryan O. Roa, 25, of Calimesia, California ("Noble"), also face charges.
Thomas and Roa allegedly met to train in "marksmanship and combat tactics" and both reportedly quit their jobs in the days preceding the planned attack. The group also allegedly made plans to travel to Washington D.C. to carry out the scheme.
Investigators learned of the plot when Tycen Proper's mother alerted authorities to his firearm purchases and online activities. Authorities reportedly found a stockpile of weapons at the family home, including a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun painted with an American flag.
Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cincinnati Office, described the case as a "classic example of ‘see something, say something’" and highlighted the collaboration between law enforcement agencies. Jason Rees, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Cincinnati Field Office, stated that the communication network provided "a road map to a sinister plot targeting the White House complex."
If convicted of all charges, each defendant faces a maximum of life in prison.