FBI says it foiled a complex plot to attack Trump at White House event

The FBI says it disrupted a planned terrorist attack aimed at a celebratory event at the White House, arresting five suspects so far. The plot targeted the UFC Freedom 250 gathering held two days ago on the South Lawn, an event marking President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the United States’ 250th Independence Day anniversary.

According to the New York Post, the suspected attackers planned a multi-stage operation meant to hit Trump and hundreds of invited guests. The first phase allegedly involved explosive drones striking nearby buildings to trigger panic and force the crowd to flee. A sniper team was then supposed to shoot at people running away, followed by a second wave of attackers storming the White House gates and trying to breach the presidential compound.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the reports and said the bureau has detained five people tied to the scheme. Investigators believe the plot was among the most sophisticated uncovered in recent years. The bureau says it learned of the plan on June 10, a week before the event, and then carried out a raid in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the first suspect was arrested.

Authorities also said other suspects traveled to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12 or 13 to prepare for the attack. A search of one suspect’s iPhone reportedly found at least 23 Signal users involved in discussions about the operation. One suspect told investigators the goal was to target “capitalist elites,” “billionaires,” and politicians who received funding from the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC. U.S. officials welcomed the arrest operation, while investigators continue to determine whether more people were involved.