Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says it has foiled an alleged plot to carry out a coordinated attack on a major sporting event held on the White House South Lawn, arresting five suspects in connection with the scheme.
The FBI disclosed on Tuesday that the suspects allegedly planned to target the UFC Freedom 250 event, which took place on Sunday and attracted thousands of spectators.
According to investigators, the alleged plot involved the use of drones carrying explosives to strike locations around the event venue in an attempt to trigger panic among attendees.
Authorities said the resulting chaos was expected to drive crowds into areas where additional attackers had allegedly planned to launch further assaults.
The FBI said a second phase of the operation allegedly involved an attempt to breach the White House perimeter.
The bureau said it first became aware of the alleged plot on June 10 and subsequently launched a multi-state investigation.
According to the agency, the first suspect was arrested following the execution of a search warrant in Cincinnati.
Investigators said some of the suspects later travelled to Fredericksburg, Virginia, where they allegedly made final preparations for the planned attack.
The FBI said an examination of one suspect’s mobile device revealed communications involving multiple individuals discussing details of the alleged operation through an encrypted messaging platform.
According to investigators, one of the suspects claimed the intended targets included wealthy individuals, political figures and other attendees at the event.
FBI Director, Kash Patel, commended the efforts of federal agents and partner agencies involved in the operation.
“Thanks to the rapid action of the FBI, our partners and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation, multiple individuals are now in custody and the alleged attacks were stopped,” Patel said in a statement.
He said the successful operation demonstrated the agency’s commitment to preventing threats to public safety, particularly during large public gatherings.
The UFC Freedom 250 event coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday celebration and was attended by about 4,300 people, including more than 1,000 active-duty military personnel.
Authorities said investigations were ongoing and additional details would be released as the case progresses.
