Suspects in plot to attack UFC event at the White House targeted pro-Israel lawmakers, FBI says

According to an FBI criminal complaint, Proper circulated images and messages obtained from TrackAIPAC.com that highlighted lawmakers because of their support for Israel and ties to pro-Israel political action committees.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

A group accused of plotting an attack on a UFC event at the White House discussed targeting pro-Israel lawmakers and supporters of Israel, federal investigators allege.

The Times of Israel reported that authorities disrupted the plan, which FBI Director Kash Patel said involved five suspects.

Court filings describe a scheme involving drones, gunfire, and multiple teams of attackers during the UFC Fight Night event held on the White House grounds.

Investigators identified 19-year-old Tycen Proper as one of the suspects. According to an FBI criminal complaint, Proper circulated images and messages obtained from TrackAIPAC.com that highlighted lawmakers because of their support for Israel and ties to pro-Israel political action committees.

The complaint states that on May 13, Proper suggested targeting U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn. When another participant questioned the choice, Proper allegedly responded, “She’s taken money from the Israel pro-Israel [sic] lobby and supports them.”

The FBI also cited a later text message in which Proper wrote, “These are people we’re going to focus on,” while sharing images of two U.S. senators and two members of the House of Representatives.

Authorities allege the group intended to use drones to trigger confusion among spectators.

Court documents say the plan called for panicked attendees to be funneled toward a sniper position, after which a “second wave” of attackers would move against the White House gate.

The event drew approximately 4,300 invited guests on the South Lawn. Another 85,000 people watched from a nearby fan zone as 14 mixed martial arts fighters competed Sunday.

The investigation intensified after Proper’s mother contacted local authorities late on June 10. The complaint says she expressed concerns about large firearms purchases and online communications she had observed.

Investigators later interviewed Proper’s father and grandmother, who told police he had recently voiced support for Adolf Hitler and made antisemitic posts on social media.

Federal authorities ultimately stopped the alleged attack before it could be carried out.