FBI thwarted attack targeting Trump’s UFC event at White House: Kash Patel
FBI foiled an alleged attack plot targeting the UFC America 250 event near the White House, with multiple suspects taken into custody.
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, UFC President and CEO Dana White and other guests pose inside the octagon after UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. (AP)
The FBI on Tuesday said it foiled a possible threat to an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House, Director Kash Patel said, adding that the agency has taken multiple people into custody.
Details of the multi-state law enforcement operation
In a post on X, Patel wrote: “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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/PbWkIk1Lr5
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) June 16, 2026
Plot involving explosive drones and alleged White House target
While sharing a Fox News story on X, Patel said that a group allegedly planned to use drones with explosives to hit a building and target the crowd gathered to watch the UFC event.
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FBI director Kash Patel watches with Alexis Wilkins at UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo)
The Fox News report stated the perpetrators had then planned to attack the White House gate, however, there’s been no official confirmation on it.
Protective intelligence cases are on the rise, and our teams work tirelessly behind the scenes to investigate threats, identify those responsible, and ensure accountability. Statement from Director Curran on the events of this past weekend: pic.twitter.com/Oca3QVLg9o
— U.S. Secret Service Office of Communications (@SecretSvcSpox) June 16, 2026
Trump unaware of the foiled attack while at G7 Summit
US President Donald Trump, who is in Evian, France for the G7 Summit, said he has not heard about the foiled attack, Reuters reported.
Diego Lopes celebrates during a featherweight bout against Steve Garcia during UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo)
Vice President highlights funding and coordination concerns
Speaking to Fox News, Vice President JD Vance said authorities were investigating the underground networks that could be driving such kind of violence.
BREAKING: The FBI says it foiled an alleged terror plot targeting Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn.
Five suspects are in custody after authorities say they planned a coordinated attack involving explosive-filled drones aimed at buildings near the… pic.twitter.com/kvwoBnxuGb
“Twenty-three people do not get to the point where they’re going to commit a mass terror incident in Washington, D.C. without some serious funding, without some serious coordination,” Vance said.
Secret Service details response and collaboration effort
According to Secret Service Director Sean Curran, the agency “worked closely” with the FBI through out the probe.
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“In the days leading up to this weekend, our special agents, mission support personnel, and technical security teams worked around the clock to identify those responsible and hold them accountable,” Curran wrote in a statement on X.
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, UFC President and CEO Dana White and other guests pose inside the octagon after UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. (AP) 
FBI director Kash Patel watches with Alexis Wilkins at UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo)
Diego Lopes celebrates during a featherweight bout against Steve Garcia during UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo)
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