A federal grand jury in Columbus has returned an indictment charging a 19-year-old man from Danville with participating in an alleged plot to attack a White House event, court records show.
Charges and allegations
On July 9, prosecutors filed a multi-count indictment that includes Tycen Proper, 19, of Danville. Proper faces charges that include conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory as well as conspiracy to murder a federal government official. Authorities say the plot targeted a June 14 event on the White House lawn honoring President Donald Trump’s birthday.
“Our indictment alleges that these eight coconspirators weren’t simply airing grievances from behind their keyboards, they were taking actionable steps to murder our national leaders at the highest levels,”
The U.S. attorney’s office said the group allegedly planned to employ explosive-laden drones and snipers at the event. Federal investigators say the scheme was disrupted after Proper’s mother contacted law enforcement with concerns about his recent behavior and firearms purchases.
Who’s named in the indictment
Eight people are listed in court filings. Four had previously been identified in related legal actions; four others were included in the July 9 federal indictment.
| Name | Age | City, State |
|---|---|---|
| Tycen Proper | 19 | Danville, Ohio |
| Abraham H. Alvarez | 31 | Omaha, Nebraska |
| Daniel K. Eskridge | 32 | Hamilton, Missouri |
| Bryan O. Road | 25 | Calimesa, California |
| Michael A. Thomas | 32 | Pinon Hills, California |
| William L.S. Falkner | 21 | Belfair, Washington |
| Jordan W. Rincker | 28 | St. Joseph, Missouri |
| Chandler D. Scaggs | 21 | Chapmanville, West Virginia |
How the plot was uncovered
According to court affidavits cited by prosecutors, Knox County authorities were notified on June 10 when Proper’s mother expressed concern about his conduct and the firearms he had recently acquired. That report prompted further investigation by federal authorities, who say their inquiries uncovered the alleged conspiracy and led to arrests in June.
- Local impact: The indictment names a local resident among the accused, raising public-safety concerns for Knox County and prompting scrutiny of how family members and local law enforcement can aid in preventing violent plots.
- Federal response: The U.S. attorney described the matter as an actionable threat against national leaders, signaling federal priority on preventing politically motivated violence.
- Legal next steps: The indictment follows an arrest in June; the case will proceed through the federal court system with potential pretrial hearings and motions to come.
The U.S. attorney’s office released a statement emphasizing that political disagreement has lawful outlets but that violence is not acceptable. The indictment and the details made public so far underscore the continuing role of local tips in averting potential attacks.
Federal prosecutors provided the names and hometowns of the other seven people included in the indictment but court proceedings will determine the evidence and whether the allegations result in convictions. The case remains under investigation by federal authorities.
