The FBI on Tuesday revealed an alleged plot targeting the UFC America 250 event held at the White House over the weekend, confirming that multiple suspects have been taken into custody following a multi-state operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that authorities became aware of a potential threat on June 10, four days before the mixed martial arts event in Washington, D.C. The threat involved individuals outside the National Capital Region, he noted. Patel emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and praised federal and local law enforcement agencies for preventing what he described as planned attacks ahead of the event, which was attended by President Donald Trump.
"On June 10, the 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.
"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. 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.
According to law enforcement officials cited by the Associated Press, five people were arrested in states including Ohio, Missouri, and California. The nature of the alleged plot has not been immediately disclosed, with additional details expected after charges are unsealed.
U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran stated that the agency worked closely with law enforcement partners to identify those responsible and hold them accountable.
