Officials allege Tycen Proper, 19, used graduation money to amass a cache of firearms, ballistic plates and tactical equipment tied to an alleged plot targeting the White House during the UFC Freedom 250 event. Federal and local authorities say they learned of the plan in early June and moved to investigate and arrest suspects.
The FBI first learned of the alleged plot on June 10 and coordinated with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and other local partners, according to law enforcement records obtained by Fox News Digital.
Quick facts
- Suspect: Tycen Proper, 19.
- Alleged target: UFC Freedom 250 at the White House.
- FBI learned of the plan on June 10.
- Knox County Sheriff’s Office report and court records list weapons and tactical gear seized.
Tycen Proper and the alleged White House UFC plot
Authorities say Proper was among seven men accused in a scheme tied to the June 14 UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House. Records and the criminal complaint describe online contacts and planning activity investigators characterized in interviews as “missions” and “recons.” Those descriptions appear in charging and investigative documents and are presented as allegations.
According to the complaint and a Knox County Sheriff’s Office report, family members alerted authorities after noticing purchases and online interactions. The report says Proper’s mother told a 911 dispatcher she removed firearms and ammunition from his room; those details appear in law enforcement records.
Weapons and gear seized
Records list an inventory of firearms and tactical equipment officials say Proper purchased or stored at a relative’s home. The complaint and county report detail the timeline of purchases and items recovered.
- An AR-15 5.56-caliber rifle purchased in January, reportedly fitted with a red dot sight and magnifier.
- A 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun purchased June 5, described as painted with an American flag and fitted with a red dot optic, plus ammunition.
- Three plate carriers with .308-rated ballistic plates.
- More than 1,000 rounds of 5.56 ammunition and dozens of 12-gauge shells, including buckshot and slugs.
- Thirteen loaded AR-15 magazines, a tactical bump helmet, a battle belt and medical trauma supplies such as tourniquets and wound seals.
- Other listed items include multiple fixed and folding blades, a hatchet, tactical headsets, chemical lights and a compass.
The Knox County report states Proper spent about $3,000 of graduation money on armor, vests, the shotgun, additional ammunition and other supplies that officials allege formed part of the stockpile.
How authorities learned and arrests
Officials say the FBI was alerted to the alleged plot on June 10 and then coordinated with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and other local agencies. Law enforcement records indicate the investigation led to arrests tied to activity around the UFC event.
The criminal complaint cites statements from family members, including a claim from Proper’s father that his son stopped working to meet people he had met online who conducted so-called “missions” and “recons.” Those characterizations come from investigative interviews and are presented as allegations in the complaint.
Why it matters
Allegations that a young person amassed a sizable weapons and protective-equipment stockpile ahead of a public event raise public-safety concerns, authorities say. The mix of firearms, ballistic protection and tactical gear described in records is why investigators treated the matter as serious and prioritized rapid coordination between federal and local agencies.
Law enforcement intervention prior to the event underscores the role of tips and family reporting in guiding investigations. Officials said the reported seizure of weapons and protective gear was central to assessing the threat level.
What comes next
Those arrested in connection with the alleged plot are expected to face federal or state charges as investigators and prosecutors review evidence. Typical next steps include arraignments, pretrial proceedings and, if formal charges are filed, hearings where evidence will be presented.
Officials have not announced final charges or court dates for all suspects; those details normally appear in public court filings and official statements as the cases proceed.
FAQ
What was Tycen Proper accused of?
Officials allege Tycen Proper was part of a group that plotted an attack linked to the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House and that he accumulated weapons and tactical gear tied to that alleged plan. Those claims appear in a criminal complaint and law enforcement reports and remain allegations.
What weapons and gear did officials say were found?
Records list an AR-15 rifle, a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, three plate carriers with .308-rated plates, a tactical helmet, loaded magazines, more than 1,000 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, medical trauma gear and other tactical items, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office report.
How did the FBI learn about the alleged plot?
Authorities say the FBI first learned about the plan on June 10 and then coordinated with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and other local partners. Family concerns and tips are described in the complaint as factors that helped lead investigators to examine purchases and online activity.
Source: Fox News Digital reporting and a Knox County Sheriff’s Office record obtained by Fox News: https://www.foxnews.com/us/records-reveal-massive-arsenal-ohio-man-allegedly-built-attack-white-house-ufc-event
Next legal steps include potential federal or state indictments, arraignments and pretrial proceedings as prosecutors assess evidence and determine formal charges.
