White House UFC Terror Plot Ringleader Identified as DACA Recipient, DHS Says
Federal authorities have identified Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, a 31-year-old Mexican national living in Nebraska, as the alleged "ringleader" behind a foiled terror plot targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Alvarez was a recipient of the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program after overstaying a U.S. visa.
Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, was identified by federal prosecutors as the alleged ringleader of a plot targeting the White House UFC Freedom 250 event. (Douglas County Sheriff's Office)
Investigators allege Alvarez operated under the online alias "Shepherd" and played a central role in organizing and directing the planned attack. Court documents state he was responsible for coordinating logistics, assigning positions, discussing drone launch points, sniper locations, escape routes, and identifying potential targets.
The Justice Department says five men from multiple states have been arrested in connection with the conspiracy. Prosecutors allege the group planned to use explosive-laden drones to trigger panic and evacuation at the White House event before deploying snipers against selected "high-value targets" and attendees.
Authorities say the plot was disrupted after a tip alerted investigators, leading to a multi-state FBI operation. According to court filings, encrypted Signal chats involving nearly two dozen individuals discussed operational details and potential targets. Federal agencies continue to investigate whether additional suspects were involved.
Alvarez and the other defendants face serious federal charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to attack government officials. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment.