The Justice Department says the FBI arrested two more men accused of plotting to attack a UFC event held on White House grounds, bringing the total number charged to at least seven. Both new suspects face conspiracy to commit murder charges and appeared in court on Monday. Prosecutors allege the plot involved explosive-armed drones to trigger an evacuation and snipers to strike "high value targets" in the fleeing crowd. Officials say the FBI was alerted to a potential threat on June 10 and that arrests prevented the alleged attack.
FBI Arrests Two More in Alleged Drone-and-Sniper Plot Targeting White House UFC Event
US President Donald Trump alongside UFC CEO Dana White (R), arrive for the start of the Ultimate Fighting Championship Freedom 250 at the White House. (is associated with: «FBI arrests two more over alleged plot targeting White House UFC event») Daniel Torok/White House/Planet Pix via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
The U.S. Department of Justice said on Monday that the FBI has arrested two additional men in connection with an alleged plot to attack an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event held on the White House grounds on June 14.
Both men are charged with conspiracy to commit murder. One suspect was taken into custody on Friday and the other on Sunday; both made their initial court appearances on Monday, the Justice Department said.
The arrests follow charges last week against five other individuals who are also accused of plotting the same attack. Prosecutors say the group planned a coordinated assault that would target attendees and members of the U.S. administration.
"The conspirators allegedly planned to deploy drones armed with explosives in and around the UFC Freedom 250 event in order to force an evacuation of the event and then planned to deploy snipers to fire upon 'high value targets' within the fleeing crowd," the Justice Department said in a statement.
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on the social media platform X that the bureau and law enforcement partners became aware of a "potential threat" on June 10 and that the arrests prevented the alleged attack.
Event and Context
The UFC exhibition took place in a temporary arena constructed on the South Lawn as part of public celebrations tied to the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. Organizers and the White House said the event was part of Independence-related festivities and was not a birthday celebration for President Donald Trump.
Top UFC fighters performed at the event. Guests included President Trump and members of his family, several Cabinet officials, and technology entrepreneur Mark Zuckerberg. Trump is a well-known fan of the UFC, the leading professional mixed martial arts (MMA) organization.
Investigation Status
Federal prosecutors have outlined the alleged tactics and say investigations are ongoing. Authorities have not publicly released additional operational details about the arrests or the evidence presented in court. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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