FBI: Attack on White House UFC fight thwarted
A "potential attack" on a UFC gala held at the White House on Sunday was prevented, FBI Director Kash Patel announced.
The martial arts event, which gathered more than 4,000 people in the audience, was held on the occasion of President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the United States. The presidential couple, many ministers and business leaders such as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Paramount CEO David Ellison were present
Five people suspected of planning the attack, which was to be carried out using explosive-laden drones, have been arrested, according to US media.
A total of 23 people are suspected of being involved, the FBI said according to Fox News. The plans were ambitious, according to the FBI information that is reproduced: Drones with explosives would be aimed at buildings near the stadium and snipers would open fire on the fleeing audience. Then the White House would be stormed.
The FBI learned of the plans on June 10. At least twelve regional FBI offices are said to be participating in the investigation, including in Ohio.
FACTS
Previous assassination attempts on Donald Trump
July 13, 2024 – Butler, Pennsylvania: The US president was shot and hit in the ear during a campaign rally. One spectator was killed and two were injured. The gunman was Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, who fired from a rooftop with a rifle and was killed at the scene by Secret Service bodyguards.
September 15, 2024 – West Palm Beach, Florida: The Secret Service spotted a gunman in the bushes at Trump's golf club before he could fire. Trump escaped unharmed. The gunman, Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested on the run.
April 25, 2026 – Washington, DC: Shots were fired at a correspondents' dinner at the Washington Hilton. No one was injured and the president was evacuated. The suspected gunman is Cole Tomas Allen, 31, who was tackled and arrested as he tried to run into the hotel ballroom.
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