Federal authorities say they prevented what investigators describe as a complex terror plot targeting one of the highest-profile public events of the year, stopping an alleged attack that could have put tens of thousands of people in danger.
According to officials cited by The New York Post and first reported by Fox News Digital, the FBI has arrested five suspects accused of participating in a multi-stage plan targeting Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn. Investigators allege the operation involved explosive drones, sniper teams, and a planned assault on White House grounds.
The event, held in conjunction with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday celebration, drew approximately 4,300 attendees to the White House complex, including roughly 1,200 active-duty military personnel. Beyond the official venue, officials estimate that between 80,000 and 85,000 additional spectators attended a watch party on the Ellipse, while thousands more gathered along the National Mall.
Authorities say the alleged attack was designed to maximize casualties and chaos.
According to investigators, the first phase of the plan called for explosive-laden drones to strike buildings near the event. The resulting panic would allegedly drive crowds into predetermined areas where sniper teams were positioned to target fleeing victims.
Officials further claim that a second wave of attackers intended to exploit the confusion by attempting to breach the White House gates.
The plot was reportedly disrupted before it could advance.
FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators executed a search warrant in Cincinnati on June 10, leading to the first arrest and effectively ending the conspiracy before operational plans could be carried out.
“The plot was stopped cold,” Patel said in a statement.
Investigators later determined that some suspects had traveled to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12 and June 13 to conduct preparations related to the planned attack.
According to officials, evidence recovered during the investigation included communications found on a suspect’s iPhone. Authorities say the device revealed conversations involving at least 23 users on the encrypted messaging platform Signal discussing various aspects of the alleged operation.
Investigators also claim that one suspect told authorities the intended targets included “capitalist elites,” billionaires, and politicians who had received support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, commonly known as AIPAC.
Patel later praised the coordinated effort by federal and local law enforcement agencies.
“While the result represented the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this law enforcement team,” Patel wrote on X. “We are built to detect, respond to, and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens — particularly during large gatherings like the historic UFC 250 fight.”
The allegations paint a picture of an attack designed not only to inflict casualties but also to create widespread panic at one of the most heavily secured locations in the country. Had the plan progressed as described by investigators, it would have targeted a crowd gathered just steps from the White House during a nationally significant event.
As of Tuesday, authorities had not publicly released the identities of the five suspects or announced the full list of charges they may face. Investigators have indicated that the case remains active and that additional details could emerge as court proceedings move forward.
