CINCINNATI — Newly filed federal court records outline a sweeping terrorism investigation involving a 19-year-old Ohio man accused of helping plan a coordinated attack targeting a UFC event held at the White House, according to a criminal complaint unsealed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
Tycen Proper has agreed to remain in federal custody as the case moves forward. He waived his detention hearing scheduled in Columbus and will remain jailed until his next court appearance on June 29.
Federal charges outlined in complaint
The criminal complaint charges Proper with:
- Conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States (18 U.S.C. §371)
- Attempted murder of U.S. officers or employees (18 U.S.C. §1114)
- Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime (18 U.S.C. §924(c))
- Receipt or transfer of a firearm used in a felony (18 U.S.C. §924(h))
Investigators say the alleged conduct occurred between March 1 and June 11, 2026, and involved planning activities spanning multiple Ohio counties, including Knox County.
Alleged plot details in court filing
According to an FBI affidavit included with the complaint, the investigation began after Proper’s mother contacted law enforcement, expressing concern about her son’s online activity and recent weapons purchases.
Agents say Proper had acquired thousands of dollars in firearms, ammunition, tactical gear, and body armor, including an AR-style rifle and a shotgun purchased days before law enforcement intervention.
Court records allege the group discussed coordinated violence tied to a UFC event scheduled at the White House, including the possible use of drone-delivered explosives and coordinated attacks on fleeing crowds. Investigators also say the plan involved positioning shooters at evacuation routes near the site.
The filing alleges participants communicated through TikTok groups and encrypted messaging apps such as Signal and Simplex, where discussions escalated into operational planning.
FBI: Suspects discussed “revolution” and targets
Investigators say Proper described the group’s goal as triggering a broader political “revolution,” citing grievances including government corruption, the Epstein files, and other policy issues.
The complaint also alleges discussions of potential political targets, including U.S. senators and members of Congress.
Authorities say Proper admitted during an interview that he participated in planning a coordinated attack and described himself as one of the group’s leaders.
Evidence cited in affidavit
The affidavit details:
- Online chats involving roughly 19 participants in a main group and smaller operational subgroups
- Tactical mapping of the Washington, D.C. area
- Discussions of sniper positioning, escape routes, and safe houses
- References to staging demonstrations as cover for an alleged attack
Agents also say Proper made statements indicating admiration for extremist ideology and shared inflammatory political content online.
Law enforcement response
Local law enforcement first encountered Proper on June 10 after a disturbance call led officers to his residence in Knox County. He was later taken to a hospital for an emergency mental health evaluation based on reported concerns.
Federal authorities took over the investigation shortly after.
The FBI says additional suspects may still be identified as part of the broader investigation.
Next steps
Proper remains in federal custody pending further proceedings. If convicted on all counts, he faces the possibility of life in prison.
