Federal Filings Say Netanyahu Was Possible Target In Foiled White House UFC Plot

U.S. federal filings released Wednesday say Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the possible targets discussed by five suspects accused of plotting an attack around the White House UFC Freedom 250 event on Sunday. The alleged plot, which authorities say was stopped before it could be carried out, also centered on President Donald Trump and other senior figures expected at the event.

According to the Justice Department and U.S. reports, the suspects discussed using explosive drones to create panic and force an evacuation from the event. Investigators said the plan then called for sniper teams to target “high value targets” as people fled. CBS reported that no drones were recovered, and that law enforcement sources described that part of the plan as still being in a discussion and research stage.

Reports on the filings said Netanyahu appeared among the figures discussed by the suspects as a possible target, under the code name “N,” though it was unclear how operational that element of the plot was, since the Israeli prime minister was not at the event. The filings also pointed to an anti-Israel and antisemitic motive, with suspects allegedly discussing lawmakers tied to pro-Israel donations. Reports said images of members of Congress appeared to come from TrackAIPAC, a site that tracks political donations from pro-Israel groups.

The five suspects were named by the Justice Department as Tycen C. Proper, Bryan Omar Roa, Michael Alan Thomas, Daniel K. Eskridge and Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez. The investigation reportedly began on June 10 after Proper’s mother contacted police about his behavior, weapons purchases and online contacts. Investigators said the group mixed anti-government views with conspiracy theories and hostility toward U.S. support for Israel.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the “planned attacks were stopped cold.” Authorities said the defendants face federal charges connected to the alleged plot. They are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.