U.S. law enforcement agencies say they have disrupted a coordinated plot to attack the White House during a mixed martial arts event attended by President Donald Trump and senior officials over the weekend. The alleged plan reportedly involved the use of explosive-laden drones and a follow-up sniper attack targeting “high-value” individuals.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the plot was uncovered through a multi-state investigation that led to several arrests, crediting the FBI, partner agencies, and the Department of Justice for preventing what he described as a potentially serious attack. In a post on X, he said the operation had “prevented” planned violence, though the FBI declined to provide further details when contacted, news agencies report.
The Justice Department later confirmed charges against five individuals accused of planning to deploy explosive drones in connection with the event. Officials said the intended drone attack could have triggered a mass evacuation scenario, which was allegedly designed to enable a secondary sniper assault.
Among those charged is 19-year-old Tyson Propper, who was arrested in Ohio after his mother alerted authorities over his alleged online extremist contacts. Prosecutors say he had stockpiled weapons, ammunition, and tactical gear, and had identified potential targets including members of Congress.
The event took place on the South Lawn of the White House in a specially constructed arena, drawing thousands of spectators as Trump attended UFC bouts linked to celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
Security was heavily reinforced with surveillance systems, perimeter fencing, checkpoints, air defence capabilities, and rapid response units under Secret Service coordination.
Officials, including CIA Director Sean Curran, said security teams worked continuously in the days leading up to the event to identify and disrupt the alleged plot. Fox News, citing unnamed officials, reported that investigators had identified a wider network of 23 individuals, though not all have been charged.
Vice President JD Vance described the case as a “premeditated and coordinated terrorist plot,” while political debate continues over the role of rhetoric in rising tensions in the United States.
