Alleged Plot to Attack Trump’s UFC Event Thwarted, Two Men Plead Not Guilty
In a case that has captured national attention, two young men have pleaded not guilty to charges related to an alleged conspiracy to attack a UFC event at the White House. The plot, which involved drones and sniper plans, was reportedly aimed at an event associated with former President Donald Trump.
Appearing in court dressed in jail attire and restrained, 19-year-old Tycen Proper from Danville, Ohio, and 21-year-old Chandler Scaggs from Chapmanville, West Virginia, entered their not guilty pleas before U.S. District Court Judge Edmund Sargus Jr. The case against them, along with six other defendants, has been merged in Ohio. They face charges of conspiracy to support terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal grounds.
The trial date has been set for September 14. However, details on how far along the alleged plot was remain unclear from court records.
Eric Brehm, representing Scaggs, noted his team is still reviewing the case, stating, “there appears to be a significant disconnect between the severity of the alleged offenses and Mr. Scaggs’ naivety, lack of sophistication, and judgment.” The potential penalties are severe, with the first charge carrying up to 15 years in prison and the second potentially resulting in a life sentence.
U.S. Attorney Dominick Gerace II commented on the disruption of the alleged plot, saying, “What would have happened or could have happened, that’s never going to be clear, because, thank God, there was an intervention here and this thing was disrupted.” He emphasized the likelihood of individuals traveling to Washington, D.C., with malicious intent.
Proper’s attorney, Joseph Patituce, emphasized his client’s awareness of the gravity of the situation, highlighting the presumption of innocence, “Mr. Proper is a young 19-year-old man who, despite that youth, recognizes how serious these allegations are.”
The indictment alleges the plot began in May, fueled by grievances regarding government corruption, environmental issues, and the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein files. The group allegedly gathered resources, including money, firearms, explosives, and drones, in preparation for the attack.
The planned attack targeted the UFC Freedom 250, held on the White House’s South Lawn, celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Law enforcement became aware of the threat just four days before the event. A defendant reportedly confessed to intending to deploy drones with explosives and shoot into the crowd, according to federal affidavits.
Charges were announced against seven individuals from various states, including Ohio, Missouri, Washington, Nebraska, and California, who reportedly held fringe conspiracy theories and aimed to destabilize the government. While Scaggs was arrested separately, he was moved to Ohio ahead of the other defendants, who are expected to be tried collectively.
