FBI Foiled Alleged Terror Plot Targeting UFC 250 at White House With Drones and Snipers

At least five suspects are in custody after the FBI uncovered a multi-state conspiracy to attack Sunday's UFC event on the White House South Lawn with explosive-laden drones and sniper fire.

WHITE HOUSE — Donald J.Trump posted on Truth Social on June 16, 2026 at 11:12 AM EST, posted on Truth Social on June 16, 2026, by mentioning the source (see justthenews) that the FBI stopped an alleged terror plot to attack the UFC 250 event with drones and snipers. The plot, which officials said involved as many as two dozen perpetrators, targeted Sunday’s UFC America 250 fight held on the White House South Lawn in Washington, D.C. At least five people have been arrested in connection with the conspiracy, and FBI agents are working to identify as many as 18 additional individuals who appeared to be involved in planning the attack through encrypted chat communications, according to the report. A dozen FBI field offices across the country participated in the investigation, with one of the first arrests taking place in Cincinnati. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrests in a statement, saying that the bureau and its law enforcement partners became aware of the potential threat on June 10. “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. He added that the response “represented the best of investigative work” and reflected the agency’s mission 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.” Officials told Just the News that the alleged plotters intended to strike the fight venue with one or more explosive-laden drones, aiming to cause panicked fans to flee into areas where snipers would then open fire on them. The arrests were first reported by Fox News. Officials said more details are expected to emerge when indictments are filed in court against some of the suspects in the coming days. The UFC 250 event, staged on the White House South Lawn, represented one of the highest-profile public gatherings in the nation’s capital in recent memory. The foiled plot underscores the persistent domestic security challenges facing law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting large-scale events, particularly those held at iconic government sites. The case is expected to draw significant attention as federal prosecutors move forward with formal charges.