politics
Administration Tells Court Alleged UFC Plot Supports White House Ballroom Construction
The Trump administration told a federal appeals court that an alleged plot to attack a UFC event supports building a new White House ballroom. A lower court had previously ruled the project requires congressional approval.
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The Trump administration told a federal appeals court Tuesday that an alleged plot to attack a UFC event at the White House supports its plan to build a new ballroom on the grounds. The administration filed a letter with the court after the FBI announced it had charged five people with planning to use explosive drones and snipers during the event.
Officials said the defendants intended to force an evacuation and then target officials at the gathering.
A lower court had ruled that the ballroom project requires congressional approval. The appeals court is now considering whether to halt construction while it reviews the case. The administration argued in its letter that the ballroom would include security features such as a drone-proof roof, bulletproof windows, and sniper positions.
The planned 90,000 square foot ballroom was first announced last summer and is now estimated to cost $600 million. Construction has continued while the court considers the matter. A judge previously ruled that no statute gives the president authority to build the structure without congressional approval.
