FBI says plan to attack UFC event at White House has ‘cooled down’

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The FBI thwarted an alleged plot targeting the Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the White House over the weekend, Director Kash Patel said.

“On June 10, the FBI and our law enforcement partners became aware of a potential threat from individuals outside the National Capital Region to the UFC America 250 event in Washington, D.C. And thanks to the swift action of this FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice’s multi-state operation, multiple individuals are now in custody and the alleged planned attack was thwarted in cold blood,” Patel said in a June 16 social media post, linking to the Fox News report.

Patel did not share additional details in the social media post, but the FBI directed USA TODAY to make the same post in response to a request for more information.

Fox News, citing anonymous sources, reported that five people were detained. The alleged plan included detonating explosives to evacuate people and bring them closer to sniper teams before a “second wave” attacked the White House gates, officials told Fox News.

The event, which took place on the South Lawn of the White House on the evening of June 14, coincided with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and came amid celebrations of the United States’ 250th anniversary. President Trump and his family were also in attendance, taking to the ring to congratulate the champion as fireworks exploded overhead after the match. Other government officials also attended, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth.

The event was initially postponed due to weather. Preparations since May cost more than $60 million.

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