FBI Foils Planned Attacks Targeting White House UFC Event

The Foiled Plot

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says it thwarted “planned attacks” that targeted the UFC event at the White House on Sunday and that multiple people are in custody.

Details of the Threat

On Tuesday, FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency first learned about the threat on June 10 — days before the mixed martial arts event on the White House South Lawn celebrating US President Donald Trump’s birthday and marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

While the agency did not disclose the nature of the threat, Fox News Digital reported that the alleged plot involved using explosive-laden drones to hit buildings near the event, in a post that Patel linked to on X.

The Investigation and Arrests

Twenty-three people were involved with the alleged plot, according to a report that also claimed the would-be attackers planned a “second wave” intended to storm the White House gates during the event.

Five people were arrested from states including Ohio, Missouri and California, according to The Associated Press, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

The Impact and Response

The Secret Service “worked around the clock to identify those responsible and hold them accountable,” Director Sean Curran said in a separate statement.

Vice President JD Vance said authorities were trying to look at the underground networks that would drive such violence.

“Twenty-three people do not get to the point where they’re going to commit a mass terror incident in Washington, DC without some serious funding, without some serious coordination,” Vance said in a Fox News interview.

The Future Outlook

President Trump, at the Group of Seven summit in Evian, France, said he had not been aware of the planned attack.

The FBI's successful operation demonstrates the agency's commitment to preventing terrorist plots and protecting national security.