The FBI and its law enforcement partners foiled an alleged multi-phase terror plot aimed at the high-profile UFC Freedom 250 event held on the South Lawn of the White House, officials announced Tuesday.
The plot reportedly involved explosive-laden drones, snipers, and a follow-on assault on White House grounds. Authorities arrested five suspects and identified at least 23 others in a larger network through encrypted communications. No attack occurred, and the event proceeded as planned on Sunday, June 15.
Details of the Alleged Plot
According to sources familiar with the investigation:
- Plotters planned to use explosive drones to strike buildings near the UFC event, triggering mass panic and forcing crowds to flee toward pre-positioned snipers.
- A “second wave” of attackers was allegedly intended to storm a White House gate amid the chaos.
- Suspects discussed the operation in Signal encrypted chats.
- An examination of one suspect’s phone revealed at least 23 users involved in planning. Some individuals traveled to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12-13 for final preparations.
- One suspect allegedly told investigators the targets included “capitalist elites,” billionaires, and politicians who received donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
The FBI learned of the threat around June 10. The first arrest occurred in Cincinnati via a search warrant. The investigation spanned at least 12 FBI field offices across multiple states.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated:
“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. While the result represented the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this law enforcement team.”
Patel emphasized that the operation demonstrated the bureau’s ability to detect and neutralize threats at large public gatherings. The investigation remains ongoing.
Context: The UFC Freedom 250 Event
The event, part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday weekend, drew approximately 4,300 attendees, including about 1,200 active-duty service members. It featured a full fight card on the White House South Lawn under tight security, with high-profile attendees and a patriotic fireworks display. dailymail.com
The FBI had previously highlighted drone threats to mass gatherings and major events, deploying counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) capabilities in coordination with the Secret Service and other agencies.
This is a developing story.
