Media: Eight men indicted over plot to attack Trump’s White House UFC event

Eight men have been indicted on murder and terrorism-related conspiracy charges over a plot to carry out a drone and sniper attack at a UFC event held at the White House in June, U.S. authorities told The Guardian.

The indictment, returned in Ohio on July 9, accuses the defendants of participating in two separate conspiracies: one to provide material support to terrorists and another to commit murder on federal government property and target a federal official.

According to prosecutors, the alleged plot began in May, when the group started acquiring funds, firearms, ammunition, body armour, explosives, drones, medical supplies, communications equipment, and other materials.

Law enforcement officials were alerted on June 10 to a potential threat against the event, four days before the mixed martial arts show was scheduled to take place.

The U.S. Justice Department previously announced federal charges against seven suspects in June, with defendants identified as being from several states, including Ohio, Missouri, Washington, Nebraska, and California. Authorities said the group promoted extremist conspiracy theories and intended to cause widespread disruption to the government.

According to a federal affidavit, one defendant told investigators that the group allegedly planned to use drones carrying explosives against the event and then shoot people as crowds attempted to flee.

The targeted event, UFC Freedom 250, was scheduled for June 14 and coincided with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday celebrations. 

By Sabina Mammadli