The FBI announced that it had stopped a plan to use explosive‑laden drones to target the South Lawn of the White House during a UFC event held Sunday. The operation, a multi‑state effort, led to the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of communication logs detailing the intended attack.
Officials said the plot would have involved using drones to create panic among the audience and lure them toward a sniper team. A second wave of attackers was alleged to have planned to storm the White House gate, according to sources.
Kash Patel, director of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, posted on X that the FBI “thwarted a plot targeting a UFC event.” Several suspects were detained, and investigators obtained Signal chats that critics claim “furnish details of the scheme.”
The incident coincided with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, when the White House hosted a series of Ultimate Fighting Championship matches on its South Lawn. Attendees included high‑ranking officials, celebrities, and members of the public.
The Secret Service confirmed it worked closely with the FBI throughout the investigation and will release official statements in upcoming court filings. The measures taken underscore federal determination to safeguard national gatherings from evolving threats.
