Photo by Kent Nishimura-Pool/Getty Images
UFC Freedom 250 Targeted By Terrorists
Only two days removed from the event, UFC Freedom 250 at The White House is already considered to be one of the greatest nights in combat sports ever. It was a near perfect night of weather, production, and fight performances. Despite all of the success, the monumental MMA event was being targeted by some very sinister adversaries.
According to Fox News, the FBI unfolded and stopped a potential terrorist attack targeting the UFC event just days before fight night went down. A network of 23 conspirators was uncovered who were planning to use drones (explosives) and sniper fire to commit a mass casualty event. 5 suspects are currently in custody as of Monday June, 16th.
Evan Vucci/Reuters
Terrorist Attack Plans
The terror plot aimed to cause mass casualties amongst the reported 80,000+ attendees on or around White House grounds. With many high ranking government officials in attendance, the attack was meant to cause worldwide disruption.
The first phase of the attack plan was to use small explosive-laden drones to strike buildings on the northern side of the event. The goal of the drones was not only to target people, but also to create a mass panic. The plan was for the chaos to cause an evacuation towards the southern part of the property.
Snipers were planned to position towards the south, then targeting the fleeing masses as they run from the northern explosions.
After eliminating many targets via sniper fire, terrorists would’ve then created another distraction while simultaneously moving onto the White House property to continue the attack (via gunfire) on foot.
The terrorists used encrypted messages in Signal to coordinate the attack. Suspects traveled to areas around DC closer to the target date to make their final preparations. One suspect who was reportedly an attack leader, Tycen Proper (19) from Ohio, even purchased firearms, ammunition, and other tactical gear.
Dana White, Kash Patel, Ali Abdelaziz
Aftermath & Legal Proceedings
The FBI learned of the terror plot on June 10th, just days before the UFC White House event was set to take place. A multi-state operation was put in place to foil the attack plans in time for the event. FBI Director Kash Patel and other officials have highlighted the successful disruption.
5 suspects are in custody of a reported network of up to 23 people. Tycen Proper allegedly admitted to being involved in planning the attack, including details of the drone and sniper phases. He faces charges including attempted murder of a federal officer, conspiracy to commit an offense against the U.S., and firearms violations.
Bryan Omar Roa & Michael Alan Thomas were both arrested in California in connections to the attack. They were charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
The suspects are described as “domestic actors” with “anti-government/revolutionary motives”, targeting perceived “capitalist elites, pro-Israel figures, and high-value attendees” at the event. One suspect allegedly described it as designed to “jumpstart” a revolution in the United States.
More arrests are possible as the investigation continues. Updates on the case coming soon…
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