Two men from Southern California were among eight defendants indicted Thursday in connection with an alleged plan to launch a terrorist attack during last month’s UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House.
Bryan O. Roa, 25, of Calimesa, and Michael A. Thomas, 32, of Pinon Hills, were named with six other men in a two-count federal indictment. The charges include conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal government property and kill a federal government official.
According to the Department of Justice, the defendants are accused of plotting to kill the president and vice president of the United States, other federal officials, Israel’s prime minister, Elon Musk and additional “high value targets” at UFC Freedom 250.
The indictment alleges the group relied on platforms including Signal, SimpleX, Discord, TikTok and Instagram to recruit participants, organize training and shape plans for the June 14 attack.
Federal prosecutors say the defendants amassed firearms, ammunition and tactical equipment, carried out combat and marksmanship training, identified targets connected to the UFC Freedom 250 event and worked on plans for both the attack and a subsequent escape.
The remaining defendants are Abraham H. Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska; Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Hamilton, Missouri; William L. S. Falkner, 21, of Belfair, Washington; Tycen J. Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio; Jordan W. Rincker, 28, of St. Joseph, Missouri; and Chandler D. Scaggs, 21, of Chapmanville, West Virginia.
If found guilty, the defendants could face up to 15 years in federal prison on the material support conspiracy charge and as much as life in prison on the murder conspiracy charge.
