Eight men face terror charges over thwarted UFC White House attack
Eight men have been indicted on terrorism and murder conspiracy charges for their alleged roles in a thwarted drone and sniper attack on the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House in June.
A federal grand jury in Ohio returned the indictment on Thursday, charging the group with two separate conspiracies.
The charges include providing material support to terrorists and conspiring to commit murder on federal government territory.
Law enforcement intercepted the plot on 10 June, just four days before the highly anticipated mixed martial arts showcase was due to take place in Washington.
Detailed plot to destabilise the government
Preparations allegedly began in May, with the conspirators amassing firearms, explosives, body armour and drones.
According to a federal affidavit, one defendant told investigators they intended to fly explosive-laden drones into the venue.
The would-be attackers then reportedly planned to shoot panicked spectators as they attempted to flee the presidential residence.
Justice Department officials stated last month that the individuals harboured fringe conspiracy theories and intended to destabilise the US government.
High-profile political figures targeted
Federal prosecutors allege the group specifically intended to assassinate several high-profile attendees at the historic fight card.
US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were named as primary targets of the planned violence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk were also allegedly marked as high-value targets by the conspirators.
It remains unclear from current court records exactly how close the group came to executing their deadly plan.
Nationwide arrests conclude with eighth suspect
Seven individuals from states including Ohio, Missouri, Washington, Nebraska and California were previously charged in connection with the conspiracy.
Tycen C. Proper and four associates were apprehended across multiple states during the weekend of the landmark UFC event.
The eighth suspect, 21-year-old Chandler D. Scaggs from West Virginia, was taken into custody and charged this week.
Court documents indicate the West Virginia resident was allegedly assigned to operate as a sniper during the coordinated assault.
Conspiring to provide material support to terrorists carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, while the murder conspiracy charges could result in life imprisonment.