Eight Men Charged in Plot to Assassinate Trump, Netanyahu, and Musk at White House Event

The U.S. Department of Justice announced charges against eight men aged 19 to 32 for planning a large-scale attack during a martial arts event at the White House in June. The plot aimed to assassinate then-President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, billionaire Elon Musk, and other high-profile American officials. A federal grand jury indicted the suspects on charges including conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, conspiracy to commit murder within federal grounds, and assault against government officials.

According to the FBI, the plan involved using explosive-laden drones to attack the north side of the White House, forcing attendees to flee toward a specific exit where snipers intended to shoot them. Trump attended the event, which coincided with his 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, alongside Republican lawmakers, government officials, and donors; Netanyahu was not present. The suspects communicated via chat groups and online forums to coordinate the attack.

The FBI uncovered the plot on June 10, four days before the event, and executed a search warrant in Cincinnati, Ohio, arresting the first suspect. Additional suspects traveled to Fredericksburg, Virginia, to finalize preparations. Investigators made a breakthrough after examining an iPhone belonging to one suspect, discovering encrypted Signal app conversations involving at least 23 users discussing the plan. One suspect described the targets as "capitalist elites," billionaires, and politicians receiving donations from groups associated with AIPAC.