On Tuesday, the FBI unveiled details of a foiled terrorist plot targeting a mixed martial arts event held on Sunday at the White House's South Lawn, according to agency director Kash Patel.
Patel disclosed that the FBI became aware of the threat on June 10, six days prior to the event. Through a coordinated multi-state operation, several individuals were apprehended, and the planned attack was entirely averted.
"On June 10, the FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, identified a potential threat aimed at the UFC America 250 event in Washington, D.C., involving individuals from outside the National Capital Region," Patel wrote on a social media platform.
Thanks to the swift actions of the FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice, in a multi-state operation, several people are now in custody, and the planned attacks were entirely thwarted," added the high-ranking U.S. official.
Patel emphasized that the outcome "showcased the best of investigative efforts" and was "nothing extraordinary for this law enforcement team."
He also highlighted that the agency is "prepared to detect, respond to, and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens, especially during large gatherings."
A senior law enforcement official confirmed to NBC News that the threat was "quite serious."
Complex Plot Unveiled
As reported by Fox News and shared by Patel, the alleged plot was structured in several coordinated phases.
The attackers, in the first phase, planned to use drones loaded with explosives to target buildings near the event, causing a mass evacuation of attendees.
In the second phase, a team of snipers was intended to target fleeing crowds.
The third phase involved other alleged operatives breaching one of the White House entrances.
Investigators uncovered encrypted chats on the Signal app involving at least 23 people discussing pre-operational attack activities.
NBC News noted it could not independently verify all the details of the alleged plot.
Arrests Across Multiple States
At least five suspects were detained in the FBI's multi-state operation.
One individual was apprehended in Cincinnati, Ohio, as reported by the Cincinnati Enquirer, in what authorities described as a planned attack targeting the UFC event at the White House.
The FBI stated that the investigation is ongoing and urged citizens to report any suspicious activity to 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Focus of the Plot: The UFC Freedom 250
The UFC Freedom 250 was a historic event, marking the first of its kind at the White House: a mixed martial arts spectacle held on Sunday at the South Lawn, celebrating the 80th birthday of President Donald Trump and the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence.
Over 4,000 carefully selected guests witnessed a landmark evening where all seven fights ended by knockout or TKO, an unprecedented occurrence in UFC history.
The main event featured American Justin Gaethje against unbeaten Ilia Topuria, with Gaethje claiming victory via corner stoppage in the fourth round.
Notable attendees included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Patel himself, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
The UFC fully covered the event's cost, amounting to $60 million.
Following the event, UFC President Dana White declared it a success but stated, "it will never happen again" due to costs and the unpredictable nature of outdoor events.
FBI's Operation and UFC Event Details
What was the nature of the threat against the UFC event?
The threat involved a multi-phase plot to use drones loaded with explosives, snipers, and operatives breaching the White House during the UFC event.
How did the FBI manage to thwart the attack?
The FBI, in collaboration with law enforcement partners, conducted a swift multi-state operation that resulted in the arrest of several individuals, successfully preventing the attack.
What was unique about the UFC Freedom 250 event?
UFC Freedom 250 was the first mixed martial arts event held at the White House, coinciding with President Trump's 80th birthday and the 250th U.S. independence anniversary.