Federal authorities say they disrupted an alleged multi-stage attack targeting a major UFC event in Washington, D.C., leading to multiple arrests and a sprawling investigation that stretched across several states.
According to Fox News, the FBI confirmed that five people were in custody as of Monday after investigators uncovered what officials described as a coordinated plan aimed at UFC Freedom 250, an event held on the White House grounds over the weekend.
Investigators identified 23 people connected to an alleged network involved in planning the attack.
Authorities said the plot called for explosive-laden drones to strike buildings near the event. Investigators believe the goal was to trigger panic, force a mass evacuation, and direct fleeing crowds toward a pre-positioned sniper team.
Officials said a second phase of the alleged operation involved plans to storm a White House gate amid the chaos.
The FBI first became aware of the threat on June 10. Investigators worked with law enforcement partners to establish probable cause, leading to the arrest of one suspect in Cincinnati.
As the investigation expanded, authorities allegedly uncovered Signal group chats discussing plans related to the attack.
According to officials, an examination of one suspect’s iPhone revealed conversations involving at least 23 Signal users discussing what investigators described as pre-operational planning.
Some participants allegedly intended to travel to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12 or June 13 as part of preparations.
One suspect reportedly told investigators that the intended targets included “capitalist elites,” “billionaires” and politicians who had received donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
The investigation involved at least 12 FBI field offices across the country.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised agents, prosecutors and law enforcement partners for moving quickly to stop the alleged attack.
“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 statement provided to Fox News Digital.
Patel said the operation demonstrated the bureau’s ability to respond rapidly when credible threats emerge.
“While the result represented the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this law enforcement team,” Patel said. “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. That’s exactly what we did here.”
The UFC Freedom 250 event was held on the South Lawn of the White House as part of President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday weekend celebration.
Officials estimated that roughly 4,300 people attended the event, including approximately 1,200 active-duty military service members.
