UMVA has learned that a stunning terror plot, allegedly orchestrated by a foreign national, was foiled just days before the highly anticipated UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House.
The alleged ringleader, Abraham Alvarez, a 31-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska, who went by the name "Shepherd" in an encrypted messaging app, was charged along with four others - Tycen C. Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio; Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, California; Michael Alan Thomas, 32, of Pinon Hills, California; and Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Kidder, Missouri - with conspiring to plan and execute a mass casualty event targeting U.S. officials attending the event.
The conspirators allegedly planned to deploy drones armed with explosives and snipers to carry out the attack, with Alvarez providing directions to the other suspects on how to execute the plan, including identifying potential drone launch points and sniper positions.
In a chilling group chat, Alvarez allegedly posted instructions to the other conspirators, saying, "This is the best action I see. Position your teams in the purple dots (counter sniper and drones) Long range (circled area) (great shot) Easy out into the river."
Alvarez also allegedly discussed making explosive drones, directing another suspect to build "As many and as deadly as we can get," according to the criminal complaint.
The FBI began investigating the plot after receiving a tip from Proper's mother, who expressed concerns about her son's recent behavior, including firearms purchases and online communications with suspicious individuals.
A search of Proper's home uncovered a large quantity of spent ammunition, tactical clothing, and detailed plans to conduct an attack in Washington, D.C., including imagery of the National Capitol Region and maps of the area highlighting sniper locations and potential drone launch locations.
The alleged plot involved 23 people in the network, with Alvarez and the other four suspects arrested over the weekend.
The suspects' motives reportedly included anti-government sentiments, with one suspect expressing grievances about government corruption and data centers taking up water resources.
Alvarez will appear in court again on June 24 for a preliminary hearing, while the other suspects are also facing charges related to the alleged plot.
