Fireworks go off as America’s Justin Gaethje celebrates after defeating Georgia’s Ilia Topuria during UFC Freedom 250 mixed martial arts event on the South Lawn of the White House in the early morning hours Monday. Pool photo by Saul Loeb/UPI | License Photo
The FBI said it blocked a planned attack that targeted the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House on Sunday.
FBI Director Kash Patel said Tuesday that the FBI learned of the plan on June 10 through Signal chats. The plan included 23 people who lived outside of the area of Washington, D.C.
“Multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold,” Patel posted on X.
Two sources told CBS News that the plot included using explosive-laden drones to hit buildings in the area and snipers to attack the crowd as they tried to run. There was a planned “second wave” involving storming the White House gate.
“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,” Patel said.
CBS’ sources said a suspect was taken into custody in Cincinnati, and investigators got the Signal chats in which people allegedly discussed attacking the UFC event, which led to more arrests. It’s unclear how many people have been arrested.
The event was staged in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States and President Donald Trump’s birthday.
In a statement posted on X, Secret Service Director Sean Curran said the agency worked “closely with the FBI throughout this investigation.” He said, “formal comments regarding the specifics of this case will be made available in court filings.”
Trump attends UFC Freedom 250 at White House
President Donald Trump and UFC CEO Dana White stand in the octagon after the UFC Freedom 250 event on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on June 14, 2026. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
