Concerned Mother’s Calls Spurred Nationwide Investigation into Alleged UFC White House Plot
A series of phone calls from the mother of 19-year-old Tycen Proper triggered a multi-agency investigation that uncovered an alleged plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, leading to his arrest on charges including conspiracy against the United States and attempted murder of a federal officer, according to federal prosecutors and law enforcement records obtained by ABC News.
How the Mother’s Calls Triggered the Investigation
On June 10, 2026, Proper’s mother contacted her cousin, who is the chief deputy of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio, expressing concerns about her son’s behavior and access to weapons, according to recordings obtained by ABC News. The deputy chief then alerted the dispatch center, prompting a Danville police officer to visit the family’s home. The mother later reported that her son had been storing guns and ammunition in his room and had “a mindset” that raised alarm, according to the call transcripts.
“She’s probably going to call you,” the cousin said, urging authorities to send an officer to the residence. “But in case she doesn’t, maybe dispatch him up there right away.” The dispatcher issued a call to send an officer, who found Proper’s family had already removed his firearms and ammunition from his room. The mother also revealed her son planned to “leave this weekend and go with a group of people to help, like, fight the corrupt government,” according to the recording.
Details of the Alleged Plot
Following the initial interaction, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office contacted the FBI, which searched Proper’s iPhone and discovered detailed plans for an attack in Washington, D.C., according to charging documents. Investigators found chats on Signal groups outlining a coordinated assault during the UFC event on the White House lawn, including maps of the National Capitol Region, sniper locations, and drone launch points, the documents state.
Proper was taken to Knox Community Hospital for emergency evaluation after the police visit, with records indicating a history of suicidal ideations. During a subsequent interview at the medical facility, he admitted to planning the attack with others, according to the charging documents. His mother also told authorities she had seen him mark a location in Washington, D.C., on Google Maps, according to body camera footage.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
The case escalated into a nationwide probe involving the FBI, Secret Service, and ATF, resulting in the arrest of five individuals across four states, according to law enforcement officials. Proper’s grandfather voluntarily turned over the seized weapons and ammunition to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, which later became the subject of a federal search warrant. His attorney, Joseph Patituce, stated, “My client takes the allegations against him very seriously and we are going to take the case one step at a time.”
Authorities continue to seek other individuals allegedly involved in the plot, with the investigation highlighting the role of family members in preventing potential attacks. The UFC event, held on June 14, 2026, proceeded without incident, according to organizers.
Why This Case Matters
The case underscores the growing intersection of domestic extremism and high-profile events, as well as the critical role of community reporting in thwarting threats. Similar to the 2021 Capitol riot, where private communications and public warnings were pivotal in identifying conspirators, this investigation demonstrates how local law enforcement can serve as a first line of defense against coordinated attacks. The FBI has previously emphasized the importance of “community engagement” in counterterrorism efforts, according to a 2023 report.
What Happens Next?
Proper is scheduled to appear in federal court for a preliminary hearing, where prosecutors will present evidence of his alleged involvement. The case also raises questions about how online platforms like Signal, which prioritize encryption, can be leveraged for planning attacks. The Department of Justice has faced scrutiny over its ability to monitor encrypted communications, with lawmakers debating legislation to address such gaps.