Key facts
- Two men, Tycen Proper and Chandler Scaggs, pleaded not guilty to federal charges.
- They are among eight individuals indicted for their alleged roles in a thwarted attack on a UFC event at the White House.
- Charges include conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder.
- The alleged plot involved using explosive-laden drones and shooting attendees.
- Law enforcement became aware of the threat four days prior to the planned event.
- The suspects reportedly held fringe conspiracy theories and aimed to destabilize the government.
Two of eight men indicted on murder and terrorism conspiracy charges for their alleged roles in a thwarted drone and sniper attack on a UFC cage-fighting show at the White House last month pleaded not guilty.
Tycen Proper, 19, and Chandler Scaggs, 21, entered their pleas before U.S. District Court Judge Edmund Sargus Jr. in Columbus, Ohio. Both are charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory and to murder a federal government official, as are the six other indicted individuals.
Judge Sargus set their trial date for September 14. U.S. Attorney Dominick Gerace II stated that the intervention prevented the full extent of the plot from unfolding, but indicated that individuals were likely traveling to Washington D.C. to carry out an attack.
The indictment alleges the plot began in May, with members of the group amassing money, firearms, ammunition, body armor, explosives, drones, medical equipment, and other items. Their alleged grievances included government corruption, data centers, and the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files. The planned attack was to occur during a UFC event dubbed UFC Freedom 250, held on the South Lawn of the White House to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary.
Law enforcement officials learned of the potential threat four days before the event. According to a federal affidavit, one defendant told investigators that the plan was to fly explosive-laden drones into the event and then shoot panicked crowd members. The Justice Department announced charges against seven individuals from various states, who are being moved to Ohio for consolidated trial. Scaggs was the last to be arrested but was brought to Ohio ahead of other out-of-state defendants.