Two men charged in an alleged conspiracy to carry out an attack during a UFC event at the White House have pleaded not guilty to federal charges. Tycen Proper, 19, from Danville, Ohio, and Chandler Scaggs, 21, from Chapmanville, West Virginia, appeared in U.S. District Court in Ohio on Thursday, where they faced multiple serious charges.
The charges against the eight men include conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal property, specifically targeting a federal official. The case has been consolidated in Ohio, with the trial set to begin on September 14.
U.S. Attorney Dominick Gerace II spoke to reporters about the potential threat posed by the group, which was indicted on July 9. He noted that the intervention by law enforcement likely prevented a violent incident. “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,” Gerace stated.
The indictment reveals that the alleged plot originated in May, driven by grievances related to government actions, including issues surrounding the Trump administration. The group reportedly gathered weapons, drones, and other equipment in preparation for the attack, which was intended to occur during the UFC Freedom 250 event celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Law enforcement officials became aware of the threat just days before the event, which took place on the South Lawn of the White House. One defendant allegedly indicated that the plan involved using drones to drop explosives and shooting at the crowd as they fled.
Charges have also been filed against additional suspects from various states, including Missouri, Nebraska, and California, who are being transported to Ohio for trial.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).
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