FBI says it disrupted planned attacks targeting White House UFC event

The FBI says it disrupted planned attacks targeting the UFC event held on the White House South Lawn and arrested five people in a multi-state operation after receiving intelligence on June 10.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau learned of the threat four days before the event and moved to stop it. AP reported that the people arrested were from Ohio, Missouri and California.

Secret Service Director Sean Curran said his agency worked around the clock with law enforcement to identify those responsible and hold them accountable.

The exact nature of the alleged plot has not been made public. Authorities said more details are expected when charges are unsealed later Tuesday.

Timeline of the investigation

According to officials, the sequence began on June 10, when the FBI received intelligence about a possible threat tied to the event. The UFC show took place over the weekend on the White House South Lawn and coincided with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.

The event was also tied to broader celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

What authorities have said

Publicly, officials have said the case involved planned attacks, but they have not yet fully described the alleged methods. Some outlets have reported more specific claims, but those details have not been confirmed in AP’s reporting.

The stakes are high because the event involved the presidential complex, a large public gathering and a security operation led by the FBI, the Department of Justice and the Secret Service. More information is expected as the case moves forward.