In brief
The FBI confirmed it thwarted a plot to attack a UFC fight staged on the White House South Lawn. The plan involved explosive‑laden drones aimed at nearby buildings and a second wave of ground attackers intended to breach the White House gate. Multiple suspects were arrested in a multi‑state operation, and investigators recovered Signal chats detailing the scheme. The attack was disrupted just hours before the event, which coincided with President Trump’s 80th birthday. Officials said the incident highlights the ongoing threat to large public gatherings and the readiness of federal agencies to respond.
By: June 16, 2026
The FBI announced that it stopped a scheme to attack a UFC fight that took place on the White House South Lawn, a plan that included explosive‑laden drones aimed at nearby buildings and a second wave of ground attackers intended to breach the White House gate.
Kash Patel, head of the FBI, said in an X post that multiple suspects were in custody following a “multi‑state operation.” He added that “allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold.”
Sources told CBS News that the plot involved drones carrying explosives that would have struck buildings around the White House. A suspect was taken into custody in Cincinnati last week, and investigators recovered Signal chats in which several individuals discussed the plan.
According to the sources, the drones were intended to create panic and pull the crowd toward a sniper team, after which a second wave of assailants would have stormed the White House gate.
Patel’s X post did not confirm every detail but did link to a Fox News report that described the scheme. He emphasized that the FBI is “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.”
Sean Curran, director of the Secret Service, said the agency worked closely with the FBI and that formal comments regarding the specifics will be entered in court filings.
The UFC event, held on Sunday, coincided with President Trump's 80th birthday and marked the nation’s 250th anniversary. The White House hosted a series of Ultimate Fighting Championship matches on the South Lawn, attended by members of the administration, celebrities, and crowds on the lawn.
The BBC has requested further comment from the FBI regarding the operation.
