Background of the Arrest
Federal officials reported the arrest of two men from the Inland Empire involved in a plan to attack government officials during a UFC event at the White House last weekend. These two individuals are part of a group of five conspirators arrested nationwide for allegedly organizing the murder scheme, driven by antigovernment beliefs.
Details of the Arrest
Michael Alan Thomas, aged 32, was taken into custody in Piñon Hills, San Bernardino County. Bryan Omar Roa, 24, was arrested in Calimesa, Riverside County. Both face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, according to records from the U.S. Department of Justice.
The criminal complaint reveals their communication via an encrypted app named SimpleX, under a chatroom titled “Vanguard of the Old Republic.” Their online exchanges included conversations about tactics and weaponry.
Plot Details
The investigation linked the two men to the plot one week prior to the UFC event, thanks to a tip-off from a relative of another suspect, Tycen C. Proper, from Ohio. Proper disclosed their plot and provided social media information to federal authorities.
Thomas reportedly confessed to aiding the attack’s planning, aiming to trigger chaos to overthrow the U.S. government. He expressed belief in a conspiracy theory about an elite group controlling the government through sinister means.
Responses from the Accused
Roa denied involvement, claiming he intended only to protest during the UFC event. Family members, however, shared concerns of his potential for violence based on his increased weapon usage and erratic behavior. Authorities recovered firearms and tactical gear from his vehicle.
At Thomas’ residence, investigators discovered a range of firearms and ammunition. They seized a tactical belt and radios, which substantiated their involvement.
The Unfolding Plan
Authorities learned the conspirators planned to use drones to deploy explosives during the event, generating panic and targeting high-value individuals with sniper fire.
The plot came to light on June 10, four days before the event, when Proper’s mother raised concerns about her son’s behavior and recent firearms purchases. Further investigation revealed detailed plans for the attack, drawing connections between the conspirators.
Intended Targets
A seized journal listed 46 names, including high-profile figures. Investigators found communications detailing an attack plan in Washington, D.C., with maps and potential sniper and drone locations.
Current Status of Legal Proceedings
The arrested men appeared in U.S. District Court in Riverside and remain jailed without bond. Roa’s arraignment is slated for July 7, while Thomas’ is scheduled for July 21. Both are currently housed in San Bernardino County jail. Cases against Proper and two other alleged conspirators are ongoing.