FBI Foils Planned Attack on White House UFC Event During Trump's Birthday Celebration

Federal agents thwarted an alleged plot to strike a mixed-martial-arts gathering held at the White House on Sunday, part of the president's birthday festivities.

FBI Foils Planned Attack on White House UFC Event During Trump's Birthday Celebration

FBI Foils Planned Attack on White House UFC Event During Trump's Birthday Celebration

Federal agents intercepted an alleged plot to attack a mixed-martial-arts competition held inside the White House on Sunday, an event staged to mark Donald Trump's birthday, according to an announcement by FBI Director Kash Patel on Tuesday.

The gathering, branded UFC Freedom 250, formed part of weekend celebrations tied to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the president's 80th birthday. Trump himself was present among the crowd.

Patel disclosed on the social platform X that the Bureau learned of the possible threat on Wednesday, 10 June, only days before the function. "Thanks to the swift response of the FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation, multiple individuals are now in custody and the planned attacks were completely thwarted," he wrote.

A security official speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity confirmed that five individuals were apprehended across several states, including California, Missouri, and Ohio. Patel noted the suspects were not from the Washington, D.C. area.

The precise nature of the potential threat remains unclear, according to AP. Further details were expected to be released later on Tuesday.

The incident comes amid heightened concern for the president's safety following recent violent episodes. In July 2024, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing Trump's right ear and killing firefighter Corey Comperatore while wounding two others; Secret Service agents shot Crooks dead. In a separate episode, armed security intervened after a suspicious man was spotted near Trump at his Florida golf club. Most recently, Cole Tomas Allen was arrested after allegedly attempting to shoot the president during the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton.

Source: Plus JEDEN DEŇ

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