How did the FBI stop alleged drone attack at Trump’s White House UFC event? What Kash Patel claimed
FBI Director Kash Patel said Tuesday that federal authorities thwarted an alleged attack plot targeting President Donald Trump’s UFC event held at the White House over the weekend.
The event, called UFC Freedom 250, took place on the White House lawn Sunday night. Patel said the FBI uncovered communications on the encrypted messaging app Signal involving 23 individuals allegedly discussing “pre-operational activity” connected to the event.
According to Patel, the FBI and its law enforcement partners became aware of the threat on June 10 and launched what he described as a “multi-state operation” involving the Department of Justice and other agencies.
What did Kash Patel say?
In a statement released Tuesday morning, Patel claimed the FBI was able to stop the alleged plan before it could be carried out. “Multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold,” Patel said.
He added that the investigation was the “the best of investigative work” by federal authorities and emphasized that securing large public events remains a core responsibility for the agency.
Patel also noted that the investigation is still ongoing and that authorities would continue sharing updates “as permitted.”
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What was the alleged attack plan?
Additional details reported by Fox News claimed the suspected plan involved multiple stages. According to the report, the first phase allegedly involved using explosive-laden drones to target buildings in the area surrounding the White House event.
The second stage reportedly involved an attempt to storm the White House gates after the drone attack.
Fox News further reported that five individuals had been taken into custody as of Monday. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the suspects or announced possible charges.
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What happens next?
Federal officials have not disclosed how close the alleged plan came to being executed or whether additional suspects are being sought.
The White House had not separately commented on Patel’s claims as of Tuesday morning.
The UFC event drew significant public attention because it was hosted directly on White House grounds and attended by Trump and several prominent guests.