COLUMBUS, Ohio — Eight men have been indicted on federal charges alleging they conspired to carry out a mass-casualty attack at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event held at the White House on June 14, federal officials announced Thursday.

A federal grand jury in Columbus returned a two-count indictment charging the defendants with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal government property and to murder a federal government official.

The indictment supersedes earlier criminal complaints filed in federal courts in Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, California and Washington following arrests made before and shortly after the event.

Federal authorities said the investigation initially focused on Tycen J. Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio. Proper and four others were arrested during the weekend of the UFC event. Two additional suspects were arrested about a week later.

The eighth defendant, Chandler D. Scaggs, 21, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, was arrested this week. According to court documents, investigators allege Scaggs was assigned to serve as one of the snipers during the planned attack.

Authorities said Proper was supposed to pick up Scaggs before traveling to Washington, D.C. After Proper’s arrest, Scaggs allegedly told other members of the group he remained willing to participate and began making alternate travel arrangements with another alleged conspirator.

Defendants charged

The indictment names the following defendants:

Alleged conspiracy

According to prosecutors, beginning in May 2026, the defendants allegedly conspired to provide material support to terrorists by acquiring or supplying:

• Money
• Firearms
• Ammunition
• Body armor
• Explosives
• Drones
• Medical supplies
• Communications equipment
• Personnel and related services

The indictment alleges the men communicated through Signal, SimpleX, Discord, TikTok and Instagram, where they discussed attack plans, recruited additional members and encouraged one another to prepare for violent acts, including the planned attack on the UFC Freedom 250 event.

Prosecutors said the group established a tiered membership system, with Tier One participants allegedly committing to place themselves “in harms [sic] way,” violate the law and potentially go into hiding.

Authorities allege members conducted firearms and combat training, stockpiled tactical equipment, selected targets at the White House event and developed operational and escape plans.

Alleged assassination targets

According to the indictment, the alleged conspiracy included plans to assassinate:

• The President of the United States
• The Vice President of the United States
• Other federal officials
• The Prime Minister of Israel
• Elon Musk
• Other unspecified “high value targets”

Federal prosecutors emphasized that the indictment contains allegations only.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

If convicted:

• Conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.
• Conspiracy to commit murder on federal property and murder a federal official carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Fact Check

✅ Columbus federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment.

✅ Eight defendants are named in the indictment.

✅ Initial arrests occurred before and shortly after the June 14 UFC Freedom 250 event.

✅ Chandler D. Scaggs was later arrested in West Virginia.

✅ Charges include conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists.

✅ Charges also include conspiracy to commit murder on federal property and murder a federal government official.

✅ The indictment alleges the defendants used Signal, Discord, SimpleX, TikTok and Instagram.

✅ The indictment alleges the conspirators planned to target the president, vice president, Israeli prime minister, Elon Musk and other high-value targets.

✅ Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.