19-year-old would-be attacker of UFC event sought to use drones and was referred to police by his parents, FBI says
19-Year-Old Would-Be UFC Attacker Identified in Drone Plot, FBI Reports
19 year old would be attacker – The FBI has arrested a 19-year-old suspect linked to a plot targeting a UFC event at the White House, revealing his intention to use drones and firearms in the attack. According to federal authorities, the suspect, Tycen Proper, was flagged by his parents after they noticed his growing interest in political extremism and tactical planning. The incident, which unfolded on June 10, 2026, involved messages exchanged between multiple individuals, highlighting a coordinated effort to disrupt the event. Proper’s role as the central figure in the attack plan underscores the threat posed by young extremists combining modern technology with ideological motivations.
Parents’ Concerns Led to Investigation
Proper’s mother reported her son’s behavior to local police just days before the incident, citing his purchases of weapons and online interactions with radical groups. She described his obsession with Washington, DC, and his plans for “reconnaissance” near the White House. These warnings prompted a police investigation that expanded to include the FBI, revealing a network of individuals with a shared goal of attacking government officials during the UFC event. The parents’ timely intervention played a crucial role in uncovering the plot.
“I was worried about my son because of his recent activities,” Proper’s mother said. “He had bought guns and was communicating with an online group that claimed to be ex-military and Christian-based.”
Accelerated Extremism and Tactical Goals
The FBI’s findings indicate the group was influenced by accelerationist ideology, aiming to hasten societal collapse to establish a new political order. While some members targeted lawmakers who supported Israel, others focused on eliminating figures associated with Jeffrey Epstein, as detailed in the criminal complaints. The suspect’s home search uncovered strategic plans, including drone deployment and escape routes via the Potomac River, showcasing the level of preparation involved in the 19 year old would be attacker’s scheme.
Proper’s father confirmed his son had been using funds from recent graduation to acquire equipment, such as an AR-15 rifle and a bullpup model. The weapons were even painted with an American flag, symbolizing the suspect’s alignment with the attack’s objectives. Law enforcement officials noted his “homicidal ideations” as a key factor in the FBI’s decision to intervene, emphasizing the severity of his intent to harm during the event.
“He was interacting with an online group that talked about government corruption and how data centers were taking over community resources,” Proper’s mother added in a follow-up statement. “They wanted to take down the system and start fresh.”
The group, dubbed “Vanguard of the Old,” initially connected on TikTok before shifting to encrypted apps for secure communication. By March 2026, Proper had joined a primary chat with 19 members, dividing tasks among shooters, coordinators, and strategists. The tactical planning included drone use, sniper positions, and a contingency plan to evade capture, reflecting a blend of digital activism and traditional violence. This methodical approach highlights the growing threat of 19 year old would be attacker networks operating in secrecy.
Following the FBI’s arrest of Proper, several co-conspirators were apprehended in California, Nebraska, and Missouri. All were charged with conspiracy to commit murder and planning to attack the US government during the UFC event. The case underscores how political extremism can manifest in physical threats, with the 19 year old would be attacker serving as a focal point for a larger, organized effort. Investigators are now examining the group’s broader ambitions, which extend beyond the event to target key figures in the administration.
