The FBI foiled an alleged plot to attack Sunday's UFC event at the White House, FBI Director Kash Patel said, describing a multi-state operation that led to multiple arrests before the fight took place.
In a post on X, Patel said federal authorities and law enforcement partners became aware on June 10 of a "potential threat" to the UFC America 250 event in Washington, D.C., involving individuals outside the National Capital Region.
"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 wrote.
Patel did not identify the suspects or describe a motive. However, details cited by Fox News and shared by the FBI director suggested the alleged plot involved explosive-laden drones targeting buildings near the event, followed by a sniper team attacking spectators as crowds fled.
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
A senior law enforcement official told NBC that the plot was "quite serious" while Vice President JD Vance said on "Fox & Friends" that he believed the FBI was informing the public because "the scale of the planned attack is so significant."
President Donald Trump, asked about the alleged plot while attending the Group of Seven summit in France, said he had not heard about it. "The attack that I watched was the fighters," he said.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran said his agency worked closely with the FBI throughout the investigation. "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 on X. He said further details would be addressed through court filings.
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
The UFC event drew thousands of people to the White House complex and surrounding area, where authorities deployed fencing, road closures and a large federal, state and local law enforcement presence.
The alleged plot comes amid heightened concern over threats against Trump, public officials and major political events. In recent months, security incidents near the White House have included shootings at checkpoints and attempted breaches.
Trump also survived two assassination attempts in 2024, including one at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and another near his Mar-a-Lago golf course.
Threats against lawmakers have also increased. U.S. Capitol Police said they investigated nearly 15,000 concerning statements, behaviors and communications targeting members of Congress, their families, staff or the Capitol last year.
