Two men from Southern California are among eight individuals indicted Thursday on federal charges related to an alleged plot to carry out a terrorist attack at the UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House last month. Bryan O. Roa, 25, of Calimesa, and Michael A. Thomas, 32, of Pinon Hills, face charges including conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal government property.
The indictment alleges the defendants planned to assassinate the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, other federal officials, the Prime Minister of Israel, and Elon Musk during the June 14 event. Prosecutors stated that the group utilized encrypted communication platforms such as Signal, SimpleX, Discord, TikTok, and Instagram to recruit members, coordinate training, and develop their plans. Authorities reported that the defendants stockpiled weapons, ammunition, and tactical gear, conducted combat training, and scouted targets at the White House.
The other individuals indicted are Abraham H. Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska; Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Hamilton, Missouri; William L. S. Falkner, 21, of Belfair, Washington; Tycen J. Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio; Jordan W. Rincker, 28, of St. Joseph, Missouri; and Chandler D. Scaggs, 21, of Chapmanville, West Virginia. Scaggs was reportedly arrested earlier this week after allegedly remaining committed to the plot following the apprehension of other suspected conspirators.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 15 years in prison for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, and up to life in prison for conspiracy to commit murder. These charges supersede earlier criminal complaints filed in various federal districts following arrests made around the time of the June 14 event.
Prosecutors claim the conspiracy began in May 2026, with the defendants acquiring firearms, body armor, explosives, drones, and communications equipment. The group allegedly established a tiered membership structure, with "Tier One" members committing to participate directly in violent acts and potentially go into hiding. The indictment outlines allegations of a multi-phase attack involving explosive-laden drones to create chaos, followed by sniper teams targeting fleeing crowds and designated high-value individuals.
Federal authorities identified Thomas as a planner who described himself as "the planner and advisor for the group," admitting a desire to guide others in carrying out attacks. Investigators reportedly found maps of the White House grounds, firearms, and tactical equipment during their probe. Roa, operating under the online alias "Noble," is accused of participating in alleged planning and combat-style firearms training, with court filings suggesting he had planned to travel to Washington D.C. before vehicle issues prevented it.
The investigation was initiated after a family member of an alleged conspirator contacted law enforcement due to concerns about the individual's behavior and recent firearm purchases. Subsequent FBI investigations led to arrests across California, Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, Washington, and West Virginia.
