US investigates alleged White House attack plot tied to Epstein conspiracy

WASHINGTON, United States — A California man has been identified as one of the organizers of an alleged plot to target a mixed martial arts event planned at the White House, according to a federal complaint reported by U.S. media. Investigators found that Michael Alan Thomas, from California, believed the U.S. government was run by an "elite" that victimized and consumed children, that this group was linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, and that President Donald Trump was protecting the network, the complaint states. Federal agents said encrypted Signal messages on the suspect's phone contained details of the alleged plan, including screenshots of maps suggesting sniper positions for the event. A rifle and ammunition were recovered at the time of his arrest. Sources who spoke to journalist David Spunt said all those in custody are U.S. citizens and that no foreign ties or support had been identified at this stage of the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that several people were detained in a joint operation with the Justice Department and law enforcement agencies in several states, built on intelligence work conducted outside Washington in June. Fox News, citing officials, reported that five suspects are being held and that the alleged scheme envisioned using explosive-laden drones to create panic and channel attendees toward sniper positions. A Signal group on one detainee's phone had 23 users discussing operational details, the network said.