Two men from the Inland Empire have been detained and charged in a plot aimed at targeting government officials and others during a recent UFC cage-fighting show at the White House. The federal authorities described it as part of a broader antigovernment conspiracy. Two of the implicated individuals are from Southern California, among a total of five suspects arrested nationwide.
Details of the Involved Individuals
Michael Alan Thomas, 32, was apprehended in Piñon Hills, San Bernardino County, charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Meanwhile, Bryan Omar Roa, 24, was taken into custody in Calimesa, Riverside County, facing the same charge. According to the charges filed in a California federal court, both men had communicated virtually and met at least once recently for firearm and tactic practice.
The Department of Justice highlighted messages exchanged on an encrypted app called SimpleX between the two men. They communicated in a chatroom named “Vanguard of the Old Republic.” Here, Thomas mentioned he was in Piñon Hills, to which Roa responded about being in Yucaipa, nearby Calimesa, where Roa was arrested. Their involvement was flagged by a co-conspirator’s relative who contacted law enforcement, naming them as participants.
Objectives of the Alleged Scheme
Thomas allegedly confessed to planning the attack and encouraging involvement. In an interview with the FBI, he reportedly stated the goal was to create upheaval to topple the U.S. government. He claimed the government is controlled by elite figures involved in heinous acts, associating these beliefs with Jeffrey Epstein’s cases and President Trump. Roa, however, denied these allegations, claiming he intended to attend the event as a protester but was thwarted by vehicle issues. Despite this, his family expressed concerns over his changed behavior and increased weapon use.
Apprehension and Initial Investigation
Thomas and Roa were arrested a day before the White House event. During the search, FBI agents found firearms and tactical gear in Roa’s car. In Thomas’s residence, authorities discovered various firearms and ammunition magazines. The plot allegedly included a plan to deploy drones with explosives to incite chaos at the White House event. The investigation commenced following a relative’s report about Proper’s suspicious activities, leading to a search of his home.
Proper had acquired camping gear, weapons, and tactical supplies, which heightened concerns. The authorities found a journal at Proper’s house indicating radical beliefs about government control and harming others.
Targeted Individuals
The journal listed several high-profile figures, including celebrities and politicians. Searches of Proper’s digital communications revealed plans for an attack in Washington, D.C., with map details and potential sniper locations highlighted.
Legal Proceedings
Thomas and Roa appeared in U.S. District Court in Riverside, where they were denied bail. Roa’s court date is set for July 7, and Thomas will face arraignment on July 21. Both are currently detained in San Bernardino County. The proceedings against Proper and other co-conspirators remain ongoing.