A 20-year-old man from Chicago has been arrested in connection with a thwarted violent plot targeting a high-profile event at the White House. The suspect, Alexander Iniguez Mercado, was indicted in federal court for allegedly serving as an administrator and member of messaging groups used to plan the attack. He is one of eight suspects from multiple states who have been charged in connection with the conspiracy. The event, which took place on June 14, was a major target for the alleged plotters.
According to the indictment, the FBI contacted Mercado by phone just one day before the event to discuss online threats. When asked if he was planning to travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in the attack, he denied the plans and refused to meet with law enforcement. Immediately after the call, Mercado allegedly uninstalled the messaging app from his phone, rendering critical message data unavailable to investigators. This alleged attempt to destroy evidence has led to additional charges against Mercado, including obstruction of justice.
Mercado was taken into custody and is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court in Chicago. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The arrest is part of a broader investigation into the alleged plot, which involved multiple suspects from across the country. Another suspect, a 19-year-old from Ohio, was arrested in connection with the plot just hours before Mercado's indictment was announced.
The 19-year-old suspect, Tycen Proper, allegedly used his own money to amass a large arsenal of weapons and tactical gear before his parents turned him in. The stockpile included an AR-15 rifle, a semi-automatic shotgun, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, as well as extensive tactical and survival equipment. The alleged plot was disrupted after Proper's mother called 911 to report his online activities and weapons purchases, noting that she had removed the guns and ammunition from his room.
The investigation into the alleged plot is ongoing, and more information is expected to be released in the coming days. The arrests of Mercado and Proper mark a significant development in the case, and authorities are continuing to work to determine the full extent of the plot and those involved. The fact that the plot was thwarted before any harm could be done is a testament to the work of law enforcement and the importance of vigilant reporting by the public.
