The FBI says it thwarted a chilling attack plot aimed at President Donald Trump’s blockbuster UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House lawn — an alleged scheme involving explosive drones, sniper teams, and even a planned rush on the White House gates.
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed Tuesday that federal agents and law enforcement partners disrupted the plot just days before the historic event, which drew thousands of spectators to Washington, D.C., over the weekend.
“Multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold,” Patel said in a statement released Tuesday.
According to reporting first detailed by Fox News Digital, investigators uncovered an alleged plan to launch explosive-laden drones at buildings near the UFC Freedom 250 venue, triggering panic and forcing a mass evacuation. Authorities say the conspirators allegedly intended to funnel fleeing crowds toward a pre-positioned sniper team waiting to open fire.
Even more alarming, officials told Fox News Digital that a “second wave” of attackers allegedly planned to storm the White House gates amid the chaos.
The FBI first learned of the threat on June 10 and quickly launched a multi-state investigation. One suspect was arrested in Cincinnati after investigators established probable cause, while additional arrests followed as agents unraveled what officials described as a broader network spanning multiple states. Five suspects were in custody as of Monday, and investigators identified at least 23 individuals allegedly discussing operational plans in encrypted Signal chats.
According to Fox News Digital, investigators discovered messages detailing pre-operational activity and travel plans to Fredericksburg, Virginia, where some suspects allegedly intended to prepare for the attack.
One suspect reportedly told investigators that potential targets included “capitalist elites,” billionaires, and politicians who had received donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), according to Fox News Digital.
The operation involved at least a dozen FBI field offices and close coordination with the Department of Justice and U.S. Secret Service. Secret Service Director Sean Curran praised agents who worked “around the clock” to identify those responsible and prevent the alleged attack.
Patel said the case demonstrated the FBI’s ability to move quickly when credible threats emerge against large public events.
“We are built to detect, respond to, and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens — particularly during large gatherings like the historic UFC 250 fight,” Patel said.
The UFC Freedom 250 event was one of the biggest spectacles ever held on White House grounds. Staged on the South Lawn as part of celebrations surrounding America’s upcoming 250th anniversary and Trump’s 80th birthday, the event attracted roughly 4,300 attendees, including approximately 1,200 active-duty service members.
Trump himself attended the fights and later praised the event as “incredible,” calling it “one of the most exciting days in the history of the White House.”
When asked about the alleged plot while attending the G7 summit in France, Trump said he had not yet been briefed on the details.
Vice President JD Vance reacted to the revelations Tuesday morning, describing the allegations as “very, very dark stuff” and warning that heated political rhetoric can fuel violence.
“This is what happens when people turn the rhetoric up so loud that disagreeing with somebody is a cause for violence,” Vance said during an appearance on Fox & Friends.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say additional charges and court filings could reveal more details in the coming days.
