Federal authorities say they disrupted an alleged terror plot targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event held Sunday on the South Lawn of the White House, leading to the arrest of five suspects connected to the planned attack, as reported by The New York Post.
According to information disclosed Tuesday, the FBI learned of the alleged plot on June 10 and quickly launched a multi-state investigation that ultimately resulted in multiple arrests before the event took place.
Officials told Fox News Digital that the alleged plan involved several stages. Investigators claim the suspects intended to use drones carrying explosives to strike buildings near the event venue.
🤝@UFC Freedom 250 x White House pic.twitter.com/zs0UN3Q2hJ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 15, 2026
Authorities allege the attacks were designed to create panic among attendees and force crowds to flee.
Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement
According to officials, investigators also uncovered information indicating that a sniper team was allegedly positioned to target people attempting to escape the chaos.
Authorities further alleged that a second group planned to breach White House grounds after the initial attacks.
The FBI's investigation reportedly began after agents obtained intelligence regarding the planned operation. The first arrest occurred in Cincinnati after federal authorities executed a search warrant connected to the case.
Investigators later determined that some of the suspects had traveled to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12 or June 13 to prepare for the planned attack, according to the report.
FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest
Authorities say a review of one suspect's iPhone uncovered additional information about the alleged conspiracy.
Investigators reportedly found evidence that at least 23 users of the encrypted messaging application Signal had participated in discussions related to the operation.
According to information obtained during the investigation, one suspect allegedly told authorities that the objective was to target “capitalist elites,” “billionaires,” and politicians who had received support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, commonly known as AIPAC.
The FBI credited coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local agencies for preventing the alleged attack from moving forward.
Kash Patel praised the operation in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.
“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.
On June 10, FBI and our law enforcement partners became aware of a potential threat to the UFC America 250 event in Washington, D.C. involving individuals outside of the National Capital Region – and thanks to the rapid action of this FBI, our partners, and the Department of… pic.twitter.com/PbWkIk1Lr5
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) June 16, 2026
Patel later commented on the operation in a post on X, highlighting the work of law enforcement agencies involved in the case.
“While the result represented the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this law enforcement team – 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,” he wrote.
The UFC Freedom 250 event drew national attention and featured President Donald Trump alongside UFC CEO Dana White. The event coincided with Trump's 80th birthday celebration and attracted approximately 4,300 attendees.
Among those in attendance were roughly 1,200 active-duty service members. Security around the event included federal law enforcement, military personnel, and U.S. Marshals stationed throughout the area.
Officials have not yet released the identities of the five suspects or announced additional charges beyond those already connected to the investigation. Authorities also have not disclosed whether additional arrests are expected as the probe continues.
The investigation remains ongoing as federal authorities continue reviewing evidence gathered from electronic devices, communications, and other materials obtained during the operation.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.