Two men from the Inland Empire have been detained and charged in relation to a scheme to target government officials during a UFC event at the White House. These Southern Californians, part of five co-conspirators arrested nationwide, were alleged to have been motivated by antigovernment beliefs.

Identities of the Suspects

Michael Alan Thomas, aged 32, was taken into custody in Piñon Hills, San Bernardino County. Bryan Omar Roa, 24, was arrested 50 miles south in Calimesa, Riverside County. Both are charged with conspiracy to commit murder. According to the U.S. Department of Justice documents, the two communicated online and met in person to practice shooting and tactics.

The two conversed using SimpleX, an encrypted messaging application. Their chatroom was titled “Vanguard of the Old Republic.” Thomas revealed his location in Piñon Hills, while Roa responded that he was in nearby Yucaipa. Authorities linked them to the plan about a week before the UFC event, after a tip from a co-conspirator’s family member.

The Planned Attack

Authorities reported that Thomas confessed to helping organize the attack aimed at overthrowing the U.S. government. He reportedly believed in a conspiracy involving a ruling elite sacrificing infants. His claims also mentioned Jeffrey Epstein and suggested protection by then-President Trump.

Roa refuted involvement, claiming he intended to protest at the UFC event but was thwarted by car troubles. Family members, however, expressed concerns about his behavior and intentions.

On the day of the arrests, FBI agents discovered weapons and tactical gear in both men’s possessions.

Details of the Scheme

Court records indicated discussions of using drones to deploy explosives at the White House. The conspirators aimed to create panic, directing attendees toward sniper targets. Reports from a co-conspirator’s mother initiated the investigation, leading to the arrests.

Further investigations unveiled Proper, a co-conspirator, had plans for violence and acquired firearms and gear. Authorities recovered a journal detailing plans and a list of targets, including celebrities and politicians.

Progress of Legal Proceedings

Following their arrests, Thomas and Roa appeared in U.S. District Court, where they were denied bail. Roa’s court date is set for July 7, while Thomas is scheduled for July 21. They remain in San Bernardino County jail. Investigations into Proper and other alleged plot members, including Daniel K. Eskridge and Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, are ongoing.