WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has foiled an alleged plot to attack the White House during a high-profile UFC event attended by President Donald Trump over the weekend, with multiple individuals now in custody.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the disruption on Tuesday, stating that the agency became aware of a potential threat on June 10, four days before the “UFC Freedom 250” mixed martial arts extravaganza held on the South Lawn. “Thanks to the rapid action of the 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 in a post on X.
According to court documents and federal officials, the alleged plotters intended to use explosives-laden drones to hit buildings near the event, creating panic and forcing a mass evacuation. The plan then called for steering the fleeing crowd toward a pre-staged sniper team positioned to attack “high-value targets,” followed by a second wave of attackers who would storm the White House gates.
The FBI obtained encrypted text messages between roughly 20 participants who shared detailed maps of the area and discussed the need for a “safe house” and escape routes following the attack. One suspect told investigators the goal was to target “capitalist elites,” “billionaires,” and politicians who had received donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a powerful pro-Israel lobbying group.
The Department of Justice announced charges against five men, including 19-year-old Tycen Proper of Ohio, who was arrested on June 10 after his mother contacted law enforcement with concerns about his firearms purchases and online communications with individuals who claimed to be ex-military. Proper allegedly amassed firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and tactical gear at his home, and identified potential targets, including multiple members of Congress.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran confirmed that his agency led the investigation from the beginning and described the threat as “serious” and “unique due to the numbers involved, the level of planning involved.” Curran stated that while the event, which drew approximately 4,300 VIPs and 85,000 fans at the nearby Ellipse, was “never at risk,” the investigation spanned at least 12 FBI field offices.
The unprecedented UFC event on the White House grounds coincided with Trump’s 80th birthday and the kickoff of celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence. Vice President JD Vance, who also attended, described it as a “coordinated planned terrorist plot” and accused Democrats of fomenting violence with anti-Trump rhetoric. Trump, speaking to reporters at the G7 summit in France, said he had not been briefed on the thwarted plot.
As the investigation continues, federal officials have indicated that charges are expected to be unsealed and that they will provide updates as permitted.
