Federal authorities have identified the alleged ringleader of a foiled plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez of Omaha, Nebraska, is one of five men charged in connection with the alleged plan. The event took place on the White House grounds and was attended by President Donald Trump, government officials and other high-profile guests.
According to the Justice Department, the suspects allegedly planned to carry out a mass-casualty attack using explosive-laden drones and sniper teams. Prosecutors say the drones were intended to force an evacuation, after which snipers would target officials and other people fleeing the event.
Authorities said Alvarez allegedly used the name “Shepherd” in an encrypted chat app used by the group. Investigators claim he helped plan, organize and direct the alleged attack.
The Department of Homeland Security later said Alvarez is a Mexican national who overstayed a B-2 visitor visa after being brought to the United States as a child. DHS also said he had previously received deportation protection under DACA.
The Justice Department said the FBI became aware of the potential threat on June 10 and moved quickly with law enforcement partners to disrupt the alleged plan. Arrests were made in multiple states, including Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska and California.
The five defendants named by DOJ are Tycen C. Proper, Bryan Omar Roa, Michael Alan Thomas, Daniel K. Eskridge and Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez. Federal authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
Court documents allege the group discussed drones, explosives, sniper positions and a possible “safe zone” in Nebraska. Officials said the alleged plot was stopped before it could be carried out.
If convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, the defendants could face life in prison. However, the Justice Department stressed that criminal complaints contain allegations only and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The case has drawn national attention because of the high-profile location, the alleged use of drones and the presence of President Trump at the UFC event. It has also become part of a wider political debate over domestic extremism, event security and immigration enforcement.
