FBI foils explosive drone plot targeting UFC Freedom 250 at White House, 5 arrested

The FBI and its law enforcement partners have successfully foiled a nefarious plot targeting the UFC Freedom event held at the White House on Sunday, June 14.

According to the officials as reported by the Fox News Digital, the suspected group planned to use explosives-laden drones to strike buildings near the event with the intention to trigger a mass evacuation, thereby leading the terrific crowds to a pre-positioned sniper team.

As per authorities, as of Monday, five suspects were arrested and investigators have also identified a total of 23 people who are allegedly to be part of a broader conspiracy.

The second part of this nefarious plan was to storm the White House, as per FBI. The officials got the information of the looming threat on June 10. They worked with other law enforcement agencies to make an arrest in Cincinnati.

According to official reports, the federal investigators identified Signal communications revealing a coordinated plan to attack a UFC event. Evidence from a suspect’s iPhone linked at least 23 individuals to discussions regarding pre-operational planning. Some chats showed the activity of some members reportedly scheduled to travel to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12 or 13 to finalize preparation.

As per suspects uncovered communications, they were planning to target billionaires, politicians and elites linked with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. . The widespread investigation has occurred at least 12 FBI field offices.

FBI director Kash Patel took to X and laid out the details of the terror plot, “On June 10, FBI and our law enforcement partners became aware of a potential threat to the UFC America 250 event in Washington, D.C. involving individuals outside of the National Capital Region.”

“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.”

“I want to thank our great agents and partners, this work remains ongoing and we will continue to update the public as permitted. We continue to encourage any American to report anything suspicious at 1-800-CALL-FBI,” he added.

UFC Freedom 250 event was held at the White House’s South Lawn to mark America’s 250 years and Trump's birthday on June 14.