FBI Thwarts Drone‑Attack Plot During White House UFC Show

Tue Jun 16 2026 17:32:34 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

FBI uncovered and stopped a multi‑state plot that would have used explosive drones to target fighters and visitors at the White House’s UFC 250 event.

The FBI, in a multi‑state operation, arrested several suspects who had planned to strike the White House South Lawn UFC event with explosive‑laden drones and a secondary sniper team. The plot, uncovered in early Tuesday, would have used the crowd’s panic to funnel them into a choke point before a second wave of attackers tried to storm the gate. An investigation revealed Signal chat evidence and a recent arrest in Cincinnati. The incident underscores the heightened security around large national gatherings, especially on significant anniversaries such as the White House’s 250th.

FBI Thwarts Drone‑Attack Plot During White House UFC Show

The FBI announced that it disrupted a coordinated attack plan aimed at the UFC 250 fight that took place on the South Lawn of the White House. The operation, described as a multi‑state effort, resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the neutralization of the alleged threat before any weapons were deployed.

According to Chief Information Officer Kash Patel, the plot would have involved drones carrying explosives that were to target buildings near the event. The plan was also to use the drones to create chaos, drawing the fleeing crowd toward a sniper team positioned adjacent to the lawn, then launching a “second wave” of attackers to breach the White House gate.

The investigation uncovered Signal chat messages that discussed details of the attack. One suspect was apprehended in Cincinnati last week, and evidence from the chats has been shared with federal prosecutors.

Patel’s statement on X (formerly Twitter) confirmed the arrests but did not detail the full scope of the plot, adding a link to a Fox News report that covered the specifics.

The FBI’s statement emphasized that it “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.”

Secret Service Director Sean Curran noted that the agency worked closely with the FBI and would release formal comments through court filings in due course.

White House lawn during the UFC 250 fight — The UFC match was held on the South Lawn, celebrating President Trump's 80th birthday.

This incident highlights the continued need for robust security measures at high‑profile events and the FBI's role in intercepting threats before they can be carried out.