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A 20-year-old Chicago man has been arrested in connection with a thwarted violent plot targeting the Freedom 250 Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House.
Alexander Iniguez Mercado was indicted Thursday in federal court for allegedly serving as an administrator and member of Signal messaging groups used to plan a violent attack on the June 14 event, Fox News has learned.
He is one of eight suspects from across multiple states who have been charged in connection with the conspiracy.
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According to the indictment, the FBI contacted Mercado by phone just one day before the White House event to discuss online threats.
When a special agent asked if Mercado was planning to travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in the attack, he allegedly denied the plans and refused to meet with law enforcement.
Immediately after the call, Mercado allegedly uninstalled the Signal app from his phone, rendering the critical message data unavailable to investigators.
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Because of the alleged attempt to destroy evidence, Mercado has also been charged with obstruction of justice, according to the DOJ.
Mercado was taken into custody Thursday and is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court in Chicago today at 3 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
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Hours before the Justice Department confirmed the indictment against Mercado, officials on Friday morning announced the arrest of Ohio teen, Tycen Proper, another suspect in the alleged plot.
Proper, 19, allegedly used $3,000 of his “graduation money” to amass a massive arsenal of weapons and tactical gear before his parents turned him in, Fox News Digital previously reported.
His stockpile included an AR-15 rifle, American flag-painted 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, according to criminal complaints and sheriff’s office reports.
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In addition to the guns, he allegedly gathered extensive tactical and survival equipment including ballistic plate carriers, a tactical bump helmet, a loaded battle belt, knives, a hatchet and medical trauma gear.
The alleged plot was disrupted after Proper’s mother called 911 to report his online activities and weapons purchases, noting she removed the guns and ammunition from his room.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Fox News Digital’s Adam Sabes contributed to this report.
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