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According to Fox News, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) thwarted a terrorist attack targeting a UFC event held at the White House.
The American media outlet reported that FBI officials foiled an alleged terrorist plot, involving explosive-laden drones and snipers. The targets were attendees of last Sunday's UFC event, which took place on the South Lawn of the White House with President Donald Trump, numerous officials, and VIP guests in attendance. The attack also aimed at the nearby Ellipse park, where nearly 80,000 fans were expected.
The alleged plan involved drones, loaded with explosives, striking buildings during the event to trigger an emergency evacuation. People would then be directed to an area where they would be targeted by snipers. A "second wave" was intended to directly attack the White House gates.
The UFC White House event took place on June 14, and the potential threat was first detected by the FBI on June 10. Suspects reportedly gathered for final preparations in Fredericksburg, Virginia. One individual was apprehended in Cincinnati, and as of Monday, five suspects are in custody, with investigators identifying a total of 23 people involved in the conspiracy.
"In the days leading up to this weekend, our special agents, support staff, and technical security teams worked around the clock to identify those responsible and hold them accountable," Secret Service Director Shawn Curran said in a statement to Fox News. "Equally important to our protective mission is ensuring accountability through the judicial system. To that end, our official comments regarding the specifics of this case will be made through court documents."
Prior to Sunday's event, which was first announced in June 2025, much of the discussion revolved around how UFC CEO Dana White and his team would handle the numerous logistical challenges of hosting a show at the White House, with security being a primary concern. Weather was also a significant topic, but the event proceeded with only a delayed start time, despite adverse weather in surrounding areas.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised his team for preventing the alleged plot.
"While the outcome represents the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this team," Patel stated. "We are built to detect, respond, and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens – especially during large gatherings like the historic UFC Freedom 250 event. That's exactly what we did here."
At the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on Tuesday, Trump was asked about the FBI-foiled plot, to which he responded that he was unaware.
"I haven't heard about that," Trump said. "The attack I watched was from the fighters... These were some of the best fights I've ever seen. The last fight was brutal, as were the last two – all the fights were good. It was a great night, very different for the White House."
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