FBI Says 19-Year-Old Was Behind Foiled Drone Plot Targeting White House UFC Event

The FBI says it uncovered and disrupted an alleged multi-stage plot to attack the White House during the UFC Freedom 250 event held on the South Lawn on Monday night, which coincided with President Donald Trump’s birthday. Federal authorities on Wednesday released the image of the suspected mastermind, Taysen Proffitt, 19, and said the plan involved explosive drones, sniper fire, and a possible second wave of attackers aimed at the White House gates.

According to officials, the FBI first detected the scheme on June 10 and conducted an early raid in Cincinnati, where the first arrest was made. Other suspects reportedly traveled on June 12 or 13 to Fredericksburg, Virginia, to prepare. Investigators found at least 23 Signal users discussing the operation, along with weapons photos, chat logs, maps, aerial images, escape routes, and plans for a safe house.

Proffitt, who is from Ohio, is described by investigators as the operation’s “brain.” He was arrested after his mother called police because of his troubling behavior and online contacts. Prosecutors say he resigned from his job to prepare for “missions” and reconnaissance trips, and spent thousands of dollars from his graduation funds on rifles, magazines, ammunition, and ceramic body armor. He is charged with four counts and could face life in prison if convicted.

Court filings name four other defendants, Daniel Askridge of Missouri, Abraham Hermosio Alvarez of Nebraska, Brian Omar Roa, and Michael Allen Thomas of California. Authorities say the group wanted to trigger panic near the northern White House gate, then detonate drone bombs over the packed event and lure fleeing spectators toward pre-positioned snipers who would target “high-value” figures, including Trump administration officials and billionaires.

One suspect allegedly said the goal was to hit “capitalist elites,” billionaires, and politicians who received money from the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC. Proffitt is also said to have considered targeting Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn and wrote on his phone that she had “received money from the pro-Israel lobby.” The event drew about 4,300 attendees, including 1,200 active-duty troops and prominent officials such as Mike Johnson, Scott Bessent, Pete Hegseth, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Kash Patel.