FBI foils drone-based terror plot targeting White House UFC event PHOTO

The FBI said it has disrupted an alleged terror plot targeting a high-profile UFC event held on the South Lawn of the White House, with multiple suspects taken into custody following a multi-state investigation.

According to U.S. authorities, the planned attack was aimed at the June 14 UFC Freedom 250 event, which coincided with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday celebrations and attracted thousands of attendees, including military personnel. Five suspects have been arrested in connection with the case, officials said, The New York Post reports. 

The FBI reportedly learned of the alleged plot on June 10 and launched an operation that led to the first arrest in Cincinnati. Investigators later determined that some suspects had traveled to Fredericksburg, Virginia, in the days before the event to make preparations for the attack.

According to information cited by Fox News Digital, the alleged plan involved the use of explosive-laden drones targeting buildings near the event venue. Authorities said the attack was designed to trigger panic among attendees, while a sniper team would allegedly target fleeing crowds. Officials also claimed that a second group intended to breach the White House perimeter during the ensuing chaos. The FBI has not publicly released detailed evidence supporting those allegations.

Investigators examining one suspect's mobile phone reportedly discovered communications involving at least 23 users on the encrypted messaging platform Signal discussing aspects of the alleged operation. According to investigators, one suspect said the objective was to target “capitalist elites,” “billionaires” and politicians who received money from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

FBI Director Kash Patel praised the law enforcement response in a statement to Fox News Digital.

“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 separate post on X, Patel added: “While the result represented the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this law enforcement team – 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.”

The UFC Freedom 250 event was held under heightened security at the White House and drew approximately 4,300 attendees, including around 1,200 active-duty service members. It marked the first UFC event staged on White House grounds.

By Sabina Mammadli