How The FBI Stopped Deadly Drone Plot Targeting ‘Capitalist Elites’ At UFC White House Event
The FBI thwarted an alleged plot involving explosive-carrying drones and snipers targeting Sunday night’s UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
Patel revealed Tuesday that federal authorities first became aware of the threat on June 10 and launched a multi-state operation that resulted in five suspects being arrested before the event took place.
Officials told Fox News that investigators uncovered plans involving explosive-laden drones that would have targeted buildings near the event in an effort to herd crowds toward predetermined locations where snipers would allegedly be waiting.
Authorities said a “second wave” of attacks was then expected to target the White House itself.
“On June 10, FBI and our law enforcement partners became aware of a potential threat to the UFC America 250 event in Washington, D.C. involving individuals outside of the National Capital Region – and thanks to the rapid action of this FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation, multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold,” Patel said.
A total of 23 individuals were reportedly investigated over suspected ties to the alleged conspiracy.
One suspect was arrested in Cincinnati, Ohio, while other suspects had reportedly planned to travel to Fredericksburg, Virginia, in the days leading up to the UFC event.
Investigators said details of the plot were discovered in Signal chats and that one suspect allegedly expressed a desire to target “capitalist elites,” “billionaires,” and politicians who had received donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
More than 4,000 people attended the UFC Freedom 250 event, including President Trump, senior administration officials and prominent business leaders such as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
“While the result represented the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this law enforcement team — 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.
“That’s exactly what we did here. I want to thank our great agents and partners, this work remains ongoing and we will continue to update the public as permitted,” he added.
Officials indicated that investigators are examining whether the alleged plot was influenced by a recent increase in politically motivated violence, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, attacks targeting President Trump and members of his administration, and the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Authorities also noted that the man accused of starting the Lachman and Palisades fires was reportedly inspired by Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering Thompson.
The investigation remains ongoing as federal authorities continue to examine potential connections and motives behind the alleged attack plot.