FBI foils drone-and-sniper plot targeting White House UFC gala

The FBI arrested five people and identified 23 more suspects linked to a network that allegedly planned to use explosive drones and snipers to attack a UFC event on the White House lawn during Donald Trump's 80th birthday celebration.

FBI foils drone-and-sniper plot targeting White House UFC gala

Federal agents arrested five individuals and traced another 23 suspects through encrypted Signal chats after uncovering a plan to strike a UFC gala held on the White House lawn last Sunday, according to Svenska Dagbladet and Aftonbladet.

The mixed-martial-arts event, titled UFC Freedom 250, formed part of the United States' 250th anniversary festivities and coincided with Donald Trump's eightieth birthday. The suspected network intended to detonate drone-borne explosives near the venue, trigger a mass evacuation, and funnel fleeing crowds toward concealed marksmen. A follow-up wave would then storm the White House gates.

FBI director Kash Patel confirmed the arrests on X and in an interview with Fox News. Investigators said the suspects communicated via the encrypted messaging app Signal. The precise criminal charges have not yet been made public.

Among those attending the gala were president Donald Trump, vice president J.D. Vance, podcast host Joe Rogan, Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg, TKO executive Ari Emanuel, and several senior figures from the Trump administration. Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic was also present.

The FBI stated that the operation demonstrated the bureau's capacity to react swiftly to emerging threats and expressed satisfaction with the outcome. Patel added that the investigation remains active and that updates will be shared with the public as the situation allows.

Source: Svenska Dagbladet