Eight Indicted for Foiled Drone and Sniper Attack on UFC Event
WHO:
The Times of Israel - The defendants include Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez of Nebraska, Daniel Eskridge and Jordan Rincker of Missouri, William Falkner of Washington, Tycen Proper of Ohio, Chandler Scaggs of West Virginia, and Michael Thomas and Bryan Roa of California, ranging in age from 19 to 32.
NY Post - Bryan O. Roa, 25, of Calimesa, and Michael A. Thomas, 32, of Pinon Hills, are two of the eight men indicted.
ABC News - A total of eight men have been indicted.
Daily Mail Sports - The eight men are charged in connection with a plot to attack a UFC event.
WHAT:
The Times of Israel - The indictment charges the eight men with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory and to murder a federal government official, with potential sentences of up to life in prison.
The Times of Israel - The conspirators planned to use small, explosive-laden drones to detonate over the event and armed attackers stationed near an evacuation point to shoot victims as they fled.
Fox News - The eight suspects allegedly amassed explosives, firearms, and drones while coordinating their plans on Signal, Discord, and TikTok.
NY Post - The event targeted by the alleged plot is identified as the UFC Freedom 250 event.
ABC News - The indictment is related to an alleged plot to attack a UFC event on the grounds of the White House.
Daily Mail Sports - The eight men are charged with two separate conspiracies: one to provide material support to terrorists and another to commit murder on federal government territory.
WHERE:
NY Post - The UFC Freedom 250 event was planned to be held at the White House.
ABC News - The alleged attack was planned to occur on the grounds of the White House.
Daily Mail Sports - The indictment was returned in Ohio.
WHEN:
ABC News - The alleged plot was said to have occurred last month.
WHY:
The Times of Israel - The conspirators' ideology appeared related to accelerationism, an extremist belief that violent acts can accelerate societal collapse to create a white nationalist state.
Daily Mail Sports - The charges stem from an alleged intent to carry out a drone and sniper attack during the UFC event.
HOW:
The Times of Israel - The group plotted the attack on online forums, including Signal, SimpleX, Discord, TikTok, and Instagram, and had acquired firearms, ammunition, night vision goggles, and body armor.
Daily Mail Sports - The methods involved in the alleged plot included the use of drones and snipers.
(UPDATED July 10, 2026 23:19 UTC)
Eight men, aged 19 to 32, have been indicted on serious charges including conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory, which could lead to life sentences. The indictment details a chilling plot involving small, explosive-laden drones and armed attackers positioned to target victims fleeing an event, all driven by an extremist ideology linked to accelerationism. Authorities report that the group coordinated their plans through various online platforms and had gathered firearms, ammunition, night vision goggles, and body armor in preparation for the attack.
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(UPDATED July 10, 2026 13:39 UTC)
Eight suspects have been arrested for allegedly amassing explosives, firearms, and drones while coordinating their plans on platforms like Signal, Discord, and TikTok. The investigation into their activities has raised significant concerns about the potential for violence. Authorities are continuing to assess the situation and gather more information.
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Eight men have been indicted in connection with an alleged plot targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event, which was set to take place at the White House. Among those indicted are Bryan O. Roa, 25, from Calimesa, and Michael A. Thomas, 32, from Pinon Hills. The details surrounding the plot have raised significant concerns about security at the upcoming event.