FBI Arrests Five in Alleged Drone and Sniper Plot at White House UFC Event

Law enforcement officials arrested five people in a multistate operation after learning of an alleged plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event held on the White House South Lawn. The plan involved small drones carrying explosives aimed at buildings near the event, followed by sniper fire on crowds and an attempt to storm the White House gate, according to court records.

Signal chats recovered from one device showed 23 individuals discussing pre-operational activity, with some believed to be planning travel to Virginia in the days before the event.

One suspect allegedly told investigators the targets included capitalist elites, billionaires, and politicians who had received donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. The event drew about 4,300 attendees and 1,200 service members. A regulation octagon cage was erected on the South Lawn for bouts involving 14 international fighters.

UFC covered the reported £45 million cost of staging the event, which marked the 250th anniversary of American 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," FBI Director Kash Patel said.

Patel said the bureau and Justice Department partners moved quickly once they became aware of the threat involving individuals outside the National Capital Region.

Secret Service Director Sean Curran said his agency worked closely with the FBI throughout the investigation and that formal comments on details would come through court filings. The investigation remains active and further updates will be issued as permitted, Patel stated.