FBI Says It Thwarted Large Plot Against White House UFC Event

The FBI said it disrupted a wide-ranging plot to carry out a major attack at UFC Freedom 250, the event held on Sunday at the White House to mark President Donald Trump’s birthday. According to the bureau, it received warning information last week about a potential threat involving people operating outside the Washington, D.C. area, and then launched a multi-state operation with other law enforcement bodies and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Officials familiar with the case told Fox News that five people were arrested, and investigators identified 23 individuals as part of a possible network behind the plan. The alleged scheme was said to involve drone strikes packed with explosives aimed at buildings near the event, with the goal of forcing a mass evacuation and directing the crowd toward a sniper team prepared elsewhere. Investigators also said a second wave was planned, in which the attackers were expected to rush the White House gate.

The investigation began after the FBI received the threat on June 10. Authorities later obtained legal grounds to arrest one suspect in Cincinnati, where he was taken into custody. Investigators also found Signal conversations that allegedly discussed the attack in detail.

A preliminary review of one suspect’s iPhone identified at least 23 Signal users who, according to investigators, discussed preparation steps for the operation. Authorities said some of those involved planned to travel to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12 or 13 to prepare. One suspect reportedly told investigators the target was “capitalist elites,” “billionaires,” or politicians who had received donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, AIPAC. The event reportedly drew about 4,300 people, including about 1,200 active-duty troops, while 14 fighters from different countries competed in the ring set up at the site. The story was first reported by N12.