Alleged Ringleader of Foiled White House Drone Attack Plot Identified

Abraham Alvarez is one of five co-conspirators in a drone attack plot targeting the UFC event at the White House

A Mexican national who entered US as a child and later received protection under a programme introduced during Barack Obama's presidency has been identified by authorities as the alleged ringleader of a foiled attack plot targeting a UFC event at the White House. 31-year-old Abraham Alvarez was arrested in Nebraska, where investigators say he had established a base inside a former church building that was intended to serve as a "safe zone" for himself and other members of the plot. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Alvarez entered US as a child but remained in the country after his B2 visa expired in 2001. He later received deportation relief under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, commonly known as the Dreamers programme, which was introduced by the Obama administration. Alvarez played a central role in organising a planned attack against the UFC Freedom 250 event held on the White House South Lawn. The combat sports event was attended by thousands of spectators and was also attended by US President Donald Trump and other senior government officials. Alvarez coordinated a group of co-conspirators who planned to launch explosive-laden drones into the crowd before using snipers to target people attempting to flee the area. The attack was disrupted before it could be carried out. Alvarez was one of five people arrested in connection with the alleged conspiracy, with suspects taken into custody in Nebraska, Ohio, Missouri and California. “From his home here in Nebraska, Alvarez allegedly directed and recruited others across the country to conduct a horrific attack against government officials in a mass casualty event,” Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel of the FBI Omaha field office said in a statement released by the US Attorney's Office. “Our team worked around the clock to locate and apprehend Alvarez, take him into custody, and collect crucial evidence.” Alvarez was responsible for planning, organising and directing the operation. Federal investigators are also examining the involvement of 23 other individuals who are believed to have had links to the plot. The case became politically charged after Homeland Security officials showed Alvarez's immigration history. “This illegal alien from Mexico should never have been allowed in our country,” DHS acting assistant secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “He was the ringleader of a failed terror attack targeting UFC Freedom 250 at the White House.” “He will face justice and swiftly be removed from our country,” she added. Authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about Alvarez's background, employment history or how the group became organised. The defendants face serious federal charges. Those arrested could receive life sentences if convicted of conspiracy to commit murder. They could also face an additional prison term of up to five years for planning an act of violence on White House grounds.