Five individuals are in custody Monday after the FBI stopped alleged “planned attacks” targeting the White House on the day of UFC Freedom 250, per multiple reports.
FBI director Kash Patel said the agency caught wind of a potential plot June 10 and that alleged attacks were “stopped cold.” He confirmed that “multiple individuals” were now in custody, though did not provide specific details on the alleged attacks.
Patel did share a Fox News article that provided more information on the alleged attacks, which reportedly involved explosive-laden drones hitting buildings near the event. Officials told Fox News the tactic was meant to force a mass evacuation and steer crowds “toward a pre-staged sniper team.”
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After that, a “second wave” of attackers were allegedly going to storm the White House gate, officials told Fox News.
In the days leading up the event, investigators reportedly identified 23 individuals who discussed the alleged attacks in a Signal chat. Some of those individuals lived out of state and were reportedly planning to travel to Virginia in the days prior to the event to prepare for the alleged attack, per Fox News. Arrests were made in Ohio, Missouri and California, according to the Associated Press.
UFC Freedom 250 proceeded as planned Sunday night, though not without controversy. After a win, fighter Josh Hokit was criticized for making comments about former First Lady Michelle Obama.
While the event otherwise seemed to go off smoothly — with the exception of a weather delay — UFC CEO Dana White said he had no desire to do it again.
