FBI stops drone attack plot targeting UFC White House event

Federal agents arrested five people and disrupted a planned attack on UFC White House that involved explosive drones, positioned snipers, and a coordinated assault on the venue's perimeter, FOX News reported Monday.

Investigators identified 23 suspects connected to the plot, which law enforcement first detected on June 10. The scheme called for weaponized drones to trigger mass evacuations, funneling fans toward waiting sniper teams before a third wave stormed the White House gate, according to the report.

Secret Service and FBI coordinated multi-state response

Secret Service Director Sean Curran said in a statement that agents and technical security teams worked nonstop in the days before the event to identify and apprehend those responsible. "Equally important to our protective mission is ensuring accountability through the justice system," Curran said, per FOX News. "To that end, our formal comments regarding the specifics of this case will be made through court filings."

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the multi-state operation stopped the alleged attacks cold. "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," Patel told FOX News Digital. "That's exactly what we did here."

The UFC White House card, marketed as Freedom 250, proceeded as scheduled over the weekend. Additional details on charges and court filings are expected in the coming days.

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• MMA Mania — FBI foils ‘explosive-laden drone’ attack on UFC White House event, five people in custody