Federal authorities have charged five men, including two Inland Empire residents, in connection with an alleged plot to carry out a mass-casualty attack targeting government officials during a UFC event held Sunday at the White House.
Among those charged are Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, and Michael Alan Thomas, 32, of Pinon Hills. Also named in the case are Tycen C. Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio; Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Kidder, Missouri; and Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska.
According to federal prosecutors, the group conspired to organize an attack during the UFC Freedom 250 event, allegedly planning to use drones equipped with explosives to trigger panic and force an evacuation. Investigators said the suspects then intended to position snipers to target selected individuals as crowds fled the area.
The FBI said it became aware of the alleged threat on June 10 and launched an investigation that ultimately led to the arrests and charges.
Court documents describe a mixture of anti-government beliefs, antisemitic rhetoric and conspiracy theories among members of the group. Investigators said some participants expressed anger over the federal government’s handling of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and promoted claims involving secret elites controlling the government.
“Protecting the President of the United States and the White House grounds is priority number one for the U.S. Secret Service,” Secret Service Director Sean Curran said in a statement. “The landscape has changed, and as a result we have seen a dramatic rise in threats against our protectees.”
Authorities said the investigation gained momentum after Proper’s mother contacted law enforcement with concerns about her son’s recent firearm purchases and online activity.
Federal investigators allege members of the group communicated through encrypted messaging platforms, where discussions reportedly included targeting elected officials, business leaders and critical infrastructure such as power grids.
According to an FBI affidavit, Thomas allegedly told investigators the group’s objective was to overthrow the U.S. government. The affidavit states Thomas subscribed to conspiracy theories claiming that powerful individuals secretly controlled government institutions and were being protected by public officials.
Investigators also cited messages allegedly exchanged in a group chat on June 7. In one message, Thomas reportedly wrote, “$1300 gets us the drones and the charges. Yes we should all pitch in and we need it asap.”
Federal authorities further allege that Thomas discussed meeting with Roa in Southern California for firearms and marksmanship training. Investigators said messages referenced preparing for what participants described as “gorilla style warfare.”
During a June 13 search of Thomas’ residence, FBI agents reportedly recovered a rifle, multiple extended-capacity magazines, a pistol and approximately 180 rounds of ammunition.
A search of Roa’s home and vehicle allegedly uncovered a rifle, handgun, ammunition, tactical gear, a two-way radio and an infrared laser aiming device. Investigators also reported finding messages on Roa’s phone linking him to conversations about the planned attack.
According to court filings, Roa told agents he intended to attend the event as a protester but said he was unable to travel after experiencing vehicle problems.
If convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, each defendant could face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Prosecutors said a separate charge involving conspiracy to commit violence on White House grounds carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
President Donald Trump attended the UFC Freedom 250 event Sunday, which coincided with his 80th birthday celebration. Trump previously had a social relationship with Jeffrey Epstein years before Epstein’s criminal conduct became public. Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Sources: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, federal court filings and charging documents.
