White House UFC event security: FBI says alleged drone attack plot was foiled, multiple arrests made

US investigators said a possible attack linked to a UFC event at the White House was stopped. The FBI said several people were arrested after a multi-state operation. The match took place on the White House lawns on Sunday. President Donald Trump, cabinet colleagues and special invitees attended the event.

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Tens of thousands also gathered at South Park near the White House. Many watched the fight on giant screens, officials said. The FBI said the threat was identified ahead of the weekend event. The agency said arrests followed and the plan was disrupted before any violence happened.

FBI UFC event threat and multi-state arrests

"On June 10, 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,\" FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X.

Fox News reported that five people were in custody as of Monday. The report said investigators also identified 23 people in a possible network. The FBI statement said the inquiry continued. Authorities said public updates would come when allowed during the process.

UFC event plot details: drones, evacuation and sniper team

According to Fox News, officials believed drones with explosives were part of the alleged plan. The report said the aim was to strike buildings near the venue. It also said organisers feared a forced evacuation. Officials said crowds could then be directed towards a pre-staged sniper team.

Officials also described a possible follow-up stage after the first attack. A second wave was then allegedly planned to storm the White House gate, according to officials. Fox News cited unnamed officials for the claim. Authorities have not detailed all evidence publicly in court filings.

FBI UFC event security response and Secret Service role

\"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,\" Patel said.

\"Thats 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,\" the FBI Director said. The Secret Service also described an intense effort. \"The Secret Service worked around the clock to identify those responsible and hold them accountable,\" Director Sean Curran said.

UFC event suspects: locations, citizenship and Tycen Proper

Fox News said arrests took place in Cincinnati, California, Missouri and Nebraska. Multiple sources told Fox News those held were American citizens. The same sources said investigators did not see a foreign nexus. Court documents identified one suspect as 19-year-old Tycen Proper, arrested in Cincinnati.

A criminal complaint said Proper allegedly used USD 3,000 from graduation money. The filing said the funds went towards ammunition, guns, extra magazines and other items. Investigators also reviewed encrypted messages, according to officials. The chats were said to involve planning linked to the UFC event.

UFC event Signal chats and travel plans

Investigators later uncovered Signal chats in which multiple people allegedly discussed attacking the UFC event. Officials said an early review of one suspect’s iPhone found at least 23 Signal users. They were described as discussing \"pre-operational activity\". Fox News said some planned travel to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12 or 13.

Fox News also reported a suspect spoke about intended targets. One suspect allegedly told investigators the goal was to target capitalist elites, billionaires or politicians who received donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. The report did not name that suspect. Officials have not released further identification details.

UFC event reaction: JD Vance comments on violence

Reacting on FOX & Friends on Tuesday, Vice President JD Vance described the allegations in blunt terms. \"it very, very dark stuff.\" Vance also linked the case to public language and threats. \"This is what happens when people turn the rhetoric up so loud that disagreeing with somebody is a cause for violence,\" Vance said.

\"We got to tell everybody to tone it down,\" the Vice President said. The FBI said the case remained active as investigators assessed the alleged network. Authorities have not announced additional charges beyond what court records already show. The agencies said they would share more details when permitted.

With inputs from PTI