Two men accused of plotting a drone and sniper attack on a UFC event at the White House pleaded not guilty to federal charges on Thursday. Tycen Proper, 19, of Ohio, and Chandler Scaggs, 21, of West Virginia, are among eight defendants charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory. The charges carry potential sentences of 15 years to life in prison. The remaining six defendants have not yet entered their pleas and are being transferred to Ohio for a consolidated trial. Proper and Scaggs are scheduled for trial on September 14.
The alleged plot involved using drones and snipers to attack the high-profile UFC fight at the White House on June 14. Scaggs was assigned as a sniper, while Proper was tasked with transporting him to Washington, D.C. The FBI intercepted the plan before execution, arresting Proper before he could pick up Scaggs. The group coordinated via encrypted messaging apps, including Signal, Discord, and Instagram.
The case is being prosecuted in the Southern District of Ohio, with the indictment filed in multiple states before consolidation. The other defendants include Abraham Alvarez, Daniel Eskridge, William Falkner, Jordan Rincker, Bryan Roa, and Michael Thomas, ranging in age from 21 to 32. U.S. Attorney Dominick Gerace II emphasized the severity of the alleged plot, stating that intervention prevented potential harm.
The investigation began after Proper’s mother reported concerns about his anti-government conspiracy theories to local police in Danville, Ohio. The small town of about 1,000 residents has expressed mixed reactions to the case, with some residents frustrated by the negative attention. Proper’s family has declined interviews, and local businesses display American flags prominently, reflecting the town’s patriotic culture.
The case raises questions about extremist recruitment and the role of encrypted communication in planning attacks. Authorities have not disclosed the ideological motivations behind the alleged plot, but the defendants’ use of anti-government rhetoric has been noted in court documents.