FBI Foils Alleged Terror Plot Targeting UFC Event at White House
The FBI thwarted an alleged terror plot targeting a UFC event held at the White House grounds over the weekend. Five individuals were taken into custody according to court documents.
FBI Foils Alleged Terror Plot Targeting UFC Event at White House
The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced on Tuesday that it had disrupted a planned terror attack against a mixed martial arts event held at the White House grounds over the weekend. Court documents released to the public indicate that five people were arrested and taken into custody.
According to allegations, the scheme involved using explosive-laden drones to strike the gathering on the north side of the White House complex. The apparent goal was to drive the crowd of Ultimate Fighting Championship spectators toward the exits, where snipers intended to open fire on fleeing politicians and other attendees. The event itself proceeded without any incidents.
The occasion also marked the 250th anniversary of American independence. President Donald Trump, who had initiated the event's organization, was in attendance celebrating his 80th birthday on the same day. Several high-ranking Republican legislators, major donors, and administration officials were also present.
Court filings reveal that the accused held anti-government conspiracy beliefs. Their motivations were reportedly influenced in part by anger over how authorities handled investigation materials related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The documents further note that one of the defendants had expressed interest in targeting lawmakers who had received campaign donations from pro-Israel organizations.
"On June 10, the FBI and our law enforcement partners became aware of a potential threat to the UFC America 250 event in Washington, connected to individuals outside the capital region," stated FBI Director Kash Patel in a declaration posted on social media platform X.
At least three of the five detainees face charges of conspiracy to commit murder. They are also accused, among other things, of conspiring to commit a crime against the United States and of weapons law violations.
The defendants had not yet entered pleas in court, and no information about their legal representatives was initially available.
According to Fox News Digital, the group may have included as many as 23 individuals.
Authorities uncovered the alleged plan after the mother of one suspect, 19-year-old Tycen Proper, contacted local police in Ohio. She reported that her son had purchased multiple weapons and was communicating online with concerning individuals. According to an FBI affidavit, Proper later admitted to agents that he was aware of the coordinated attack being planned against the UFC gathering.
Trump stated at the G7 summit in Evian, France, that he had not been informed of the alleged plot.
Vice President J. D. Vance remarked that authorities are investigating networks that could support such violence.
"Twenty-three people don't reach the point of planning a massive terror attack in Washington without significant funding and serious coordination," Vance said in an interview with Fox News. "This isn't simply the deranged act of a few individuals — this is a coordinated and premeditated terror attack," he added.
Source: ERR
Source: ERR