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Federal authorities say they disrupted an alleged plot targeting this weekend’s UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, with five suspects now in custody and investigators examining a broader network tied to the scheme.
According to officials, the alleged plan involved using explosive-laden drones to strike buildings near the event, triggering a mass evacuation and funneling crowds toward a pre-positioned sniper team. Investigators also allege a second phase of the attack involved breaching White House security barriers.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said it first learned of the threat on June 10 and worked with federal, state and local partners to secure arrests and gather evidence across multiple states.
Authorities said one suspect was arrested in Cincinnati, while investigators later uncovered Signal chat groups in which participants allegedly discussed operational planning for the attack. Officials said an initial review of a suspect’s phone identified at least 23 users allegedly involved in planning discussions.
Some participants reportedly intended to travel to Fredericksburg in the days leading up to the event to prepare for the operation.
According to investigators, one suspect described potential targets as “capitalist elites,” billionaires, or politicians who had received support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. The investigation spanned at least 12 FBI field offices.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised law enforcement agencies for acting quickly to stop the alleged attack.
“Thanks to the rapid action of this FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation, multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold,” Patel said.
Patel added that the case demonstrates the bureau’s ability to identify and disrupt threats before they can be carried out.
The alleged target, UFC Freedom 250, was held Sunday on the White House South Lawn as part of celebrations surrounding President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The event drew roughly 4,300 attendees, including about 1,200 active-duty service members.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges or arrests could follow as authorities continue reviewing evidence and communications connected to the alleged network.