Eight Men Indicted in White House UFC Attack Plot Targeting Trump and 2 Other VIPs
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 9
Eight Men Indicted in White House UFC Attack Plot Targeting Trump and 2 Other VIPs
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 9
Summary
Eight men were indicted in Ohio on terrorism-support and murder-conspiracy charges over a thwarted June plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House.
Federal prosecutors say the group aimed to kill President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other officials by flying explosive-laden drones into the event, then using snipers to shoot fleeing attendees.
June 10 intelligence about a possible threat reached law enforcement four days before the event, after investigators say the group had spent May gathering guns, ammunition, explosives, drones, body armor and communications gear.
Chandler D. Scaggs, 21, of West Virginia—the eighth defendant charged this week—was allegedly assigned as a sniper and kept signaling he was willing to join even after earlier arrests disrupted the plan.
The case expands federal charges first announced last month against seven suspects from several states; material-support conspiracy carries up to 15 years, while murder conspiracy can bring life in prison.
How did a few young men and commercial drones become a major national security threat?
With attack drones now easily accessible, can large public events ever be truly secure?
How Federal Authorities Stopped a Multi-State Drone Attack Plot on UFC Freedom 250 at the White House: Eight Charged with Terrorism and Murder
Overview
In July 2026, federal authorities indicted eight men after uncovering a major plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, targeting President Trump and Vice President Vance. The conspiracy, which involved snipers and explosive-laden drones, was disrupted just days before the event thanks to a rapid, multi-state law enforcement response. Key arrests, including Tycen C. Proper and Chandler D. Scaggs, revealed the plotters’ determination and sophisticated planning. The investigation highlighted the growing threat of technology in attacks and underscored the need for improved security, coordination, and counter-drone strategies at high-profile public events.