Key facts
- The FBI thwarted a plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn.
- Five individuals have been arrested in Ohio, Missouri, and California.
- The alleged plot involved explosive-laden drones and potential sniper activity.
- FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrests and the disruption of the planned attacks.
- Secret Service Director Sean Curran stated his agency worked closely with the FBI.
- Suspect Tycen Proper faces charges including attempted murder of a federal official.
The FBI has arrested five individuals across Ohio, Missouri, and California in connection with an alleged plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event held on the South Lawn of the White House. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrests, describing a rapid multi-state operation that neutralized the threat before it could materialize.
Patel stated that the FBI became aware of the potential threat on June 10, four days before the mixed martial arts event took place. The agency, along with law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice, acted swiftly to apprehend the suspects. Full details of the alleged plot were expected to be unsealed later on Tuesday.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran confirmed his agency's involvement, stating they had "worked around the clock to identify those responsible and hold them accountable." The UFC event, which coincided with President Trump's 80th birthday celebration, was already a high-profile and controversial spectacle, marking the first professional sporting event held at the White House.
Filings in the case detail alleged plotters' discussions of Epstein files, AI data centers, and crypto firm sponsorships. One suspect, Tycen Proper, has been charged with attempted murder of a federal official and firearms felonies.