His own parents turned him in to stop a massive drone attack
Federal agents arrested 19-year-old Tycen Proper and four others for plotting to bomb a UFC event on the White House lawn.
Imagine finding out your own child is planning something terrible. Two parents had to make that choice, and their quick call saved lives.
What Happened
The FBI arrested 19-year-old Tycen Proper from Ohio. They also caught four other people from different states.
The group planned to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event. This big fight happened on the White House South Lawn over the June 14 weekend.
The plan was to fly drones carrying bombs into nearby buildings. But Proper's parents saw his guns, gear, and online chats and called the police.
What the Evidence Shows
- 5 suspects arrested across Ohio, California, and Missouri.
- 19-year-old Tycen Proper named as the lead suspect.
- Multiple drones meant to carry bombs.
- Ballistic gear, guns, and ammo bought by the suspect.
- 1 major public event targeted on the White House lawn.
The Bigger Question
How did a teen get the tools and skills to plan a drone attack from his bedroom? Drones are cheap and easy to buy. We must ask if our safety teams are ready for these new kinds of threats.
We also have to think about the parents. It takes huge courage to report your own child. What help do families need to spot these danger signs early?
The Other Side
We do not yet have a statement from Proper's lawyer or the other suspects. In cases like this, defense teams often argue about how close a plot actually was to happening. They may argue the plans were just talk and not a real danger.
Given the physical gear and guns found, this defense will face a hard test in court.
What Happens Now
The 5 suspects are in jail on charges of plotting an attack. They will face a judge soon.
For regular people, this means security at big events will get even tighter. Expect to see more anti-drone gear at public gatherings.
What We Still Don't Know
- How did the 5 suspects from different states meet and plan together?
- Where did they plan to get the bombs for the drones?
- Were they working with any larger groups outside the country?
Transparency notes
Published: Jun 16, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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Sources
External source links were not provided in this article body. Our editors reference publicly available materials and update stories as new verified information arrives.