Records reveal the massive arsenal Ohio man allegedly built to attack White House UFC event
Ohio Man's Weapons Stockpile Revealed in Plot to Target White House During UFC Event
Records reveal the massive arsenal Ohio - Authorities have disclosed that an Ohio man, Tycen Proper, 19, allegedly amassed a substantial collection of weapons, ammunition, and tactical gear with the intent to carry out a terrorist attack at the White House during the UFC Freedom 250 event. The incident, which occurred on June 14, was linked to a broader conspiracy involving seven individuals, according to federal law enforcement reports. The investigation into Proper’s activities began earlier, with the FBI first identifying the plot on June 10 and coordinating with local agencies to secure arrests.
The Arsenal and Its Components
According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Proper dedicated a significant portion of his savings to acquire a range of military-grade equipment. The report detailed that he spent $3,000 on armor, vests, a shotgun, and additional supplies. Among his purchases was a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, which had been customized with an American flag painted over its barrel. This acquisition was made on June 5, as noted in the official documents obtained by Fox News Digital. The weapon came with specialized ammunition, including buckshot and rifled slugs, to maximize its impact during the planned assault.
Proper also obtained an AR-15 rifle, a weapon known for its versatility and firepower, on January 13. The rifle was equipped with a red dot optic and a magnifier, suggesting a focus on precision and long-range engagement. In addition to the firearms, he procured three plate carriers, each loaded with .308-rated ballistic protection. These carriers were designed to provide armor during the attack, allowing him to move undetected through the event venue. Complementing this setup were tactical accessories, such as a bump helmet, battle belt with ammunition pouches, and two headsets for communication.
The arsenal also included chemical lights, a compass, and a variety of trauma gear, such as tourniquets, emergency bandages, wound seals, and gauze. These items were intended to help Proper sustain injuries or aid in first aid during the attack. The report further outlined that he had stockpiled over 1,000 rounds of 5.56-caliber ammunition, 13 AR-15 magazines, and dozens of 12-gauge shells. This comprehensive preparation indicated a calculated effort to ensure the attack could be executed with minimal risk of failure.
The Mother's Alert and Family Connection
A pivotal moment in the investigation was the mother’s concern that led to the authorities being alerted. She reported to law enforcement that Proper had been purchasing firearms and other supplies, raising red flags about his intentions. According to records from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the mother informed a 911 dispatcher that the family had taken all the guns and ammunition from his room, removing them from their property to prevent a potential threat. She described the situation with a mix of urgency and resignation, stating, “He just came inside, and he's probably going to discover it's not in his room.” This statement, captured in a blockquote, highlights the personal impact of the investigation on Proper’s family.
"He just came inside, and he's probably going to discover it's not in his room."
Proper’s father corroborated the mother’s account, telling investigators that the young man had quit his job to focus on meetings with individuals he met online. These contacts were said to organize "missions" and "recons," which Proper allegedly participated in as part of the plot. The father’s testimony, included in the criminal complaint, underscores the role of digital communication in modern terrorism planning. This connection between Proper’s online activities and his physical preparations suggests a methodical approach to the attack.
The UFC Event and White House Target
The UFC Freedom 250 event, held at the White House, was chosen as the target due to its high-profile nature and the concentration of security personnel and VIPs during the occasion. The event attracted thousands of fans and was a key moment for the organization, making it a strategic location for an attack. Law enforcement sources indicated that Proper’s arsenal was specifically tailored to the environment of the White House, with items like the flag-painted shotgun and AR-15 rifle designed to blend into the setting while maintaining lethal potential.
Proper’s actions were not limited to the acquisition of weapons. He also invested in tactical gear, including a battle belt with loaded ammunition pouches and a helmet for protection. These items, combined with the ammunition and armor, painted a picture of a well-prepared individual ready to launch a coordinated assault. The sheer volume of supplies—over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, multiple blades, and a hatchet—suggests a plan to create chaos and maximize casualties during the event.
The arrest of Proper and the others involved in the plot has raised questions about the role of online communities in radicalizing individuals. His father’s statement indicates that Proper had been engaging with people through digital platforms, which may have provided him with the knowledge and motivation to plan the attack. This case serves as a reminder of the growing threat of lone-wolf terrorism and the importance of monitoring both online activity and physical preparations.
Implications and Ongoing Investigation
While the exact details of the attack plan remain under investigation, the evidence gathered from Proper’s purchases and storage at his family member’s home suggests a high level of organization. The criminal complaint outlines that Proper had been using his “graduation money” to fund the stockpile, indicating that the attack was planned with personal resources rather than external funding. This detail adds to the narrative of an individual-driven threat, where Proper’s actions were likely motivated by a personal belief in the mission.
Authorities continue to evaluate the broader implications of the case, particularly how Proper’s online interactions may have influenced his decision-making. The combination of a physical arsenal and digital communication highlights the evolving nature of terrorism, where individuals can be radicalized and prepared without direct contact with a centralized group. The Knoxville County Sheriff’s Office report serves as a key document in the case, detailing the progression of Proper’s preparation and the eventual discovery of his cache.
The case also emphasizes the critical role of community vigilance in preventing attacks. Proper’s mother’s alert was instrumental in prompting the investigation, which led to the arrests before the event took place. This proactive step by a family member underscores the importance of grassroots efforts in identifying potential threats. As the investigation continues, it is expected that more details about Proper’s motivations and the broader network involved will emerge, shedding light on the complexities of modern terrorist planning.
With the arrests secured, the focus now shifts to understanding the full scope of the plot and the potential damage it could have caused. The weapons stockpile, combined with the tactical gear, indicates a level of preparedness that could have led to a significant incident had the attack been successful. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the need for vigilance in both the digital and physical worlds, as individuals like Proper can turn their resources into a threat to national security.