The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has said it thwarted “planned attacks” targeting a UFC event held at the White House on Sunday, confirming that multiple individuals are now in custody.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency first became aware of the threat on June 10, days before the mixed martial arts event on the White House South Lawn, which marked US President Donald Trump’s birthday and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
“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,” Patel said in a post on X.
Although authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of the threat, Fox News Digital reported that the alleged plot involved explosive-laden drones targeting buildings near the event. Patel also shared the report on X.
According to reports, 23 individuals were allegedly linked to the plot, with claims that suspects had planned a “second wave” to storm the White House gates during the event. The Fox News report further stated that some suspects were expected to travel to Virginia between June 12 and 13, based on intercepted Signal communications.
The Associated Press reported that five people were arrested across several US states, including Ohio, Missouri, and California, citing unnamed officials familiar with the investigation.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran said the agency “worked around the clock to identify those responsible and hold them accountable.”
Vice President JD Vance said authorities were examining potential underground networks behind the alleged plot, adding that such coordination suggested organised planning rather than isolated actors.
President Donald Trump, speaking at the G7 summit in Evian, France, said he had not been aware of the alleged attack plot. (Newswire)
