The FBI said it has foiled a planned attack targeting the White House during a mixed martial arts event held on the South Lawn, an operation that officials described as a serious threat to national security, with five people now in custody in connection with the alleged conspiracy.
Authorities said the plot was uncovered during heightened security for “UFC Freedom 250,” an event attended by President Donald Trump on Sunday that was staged as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and the president’s 80th birthday. A temporary arena known as “The Claw” had been constructed on the South Lawn for the occasion.
According to the Justice Department, the suspects allegedly planned to use weaponized drones carrying explosives to target the event. The plan, officials said, was designed to force a mass evacuation, after which gunmen would attempt to strike high-value targets amid the chaos.
One of the suspects identified was Tycen Proper, 19, of Ohio, according to France24. Authorities said he was arrested June 10 after his mother alerted police that he had been communicating online with an extremist group.
Proper is accused of stockpiling firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition and tactical gear at his home in Ohio and of identifying potential targets, including members of Congress, the Justice Department said in a statement.
FBI Director Kash Patel said law enforcement acted quickly to neutralize the threat and prevent what he described as a coordinated attack plan.
“Several individuals are now in custody and the alleged attack plot has been fully disrupted,” Patel said.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran said security preparations intensified in the days leading up to the event, with multiple agencies working around the clock.
“In the days leading up to this weekend, our special agents, mission support personnel and technical security teams worked tirelessly to identify those responsible and hold them accountable,” Curran wrote on X.
The White House is protected by multiple layers of security, including surveillance systems, perimeter fencing, checkpoints, counter-air defenses, sniper teams and rapid response units stationed permanently at the complex.
Vice President JD Vance, who also attended the UFC event, addressed the case Tuesday in an interview on Fox News, pointing to the alleged scale of the planned attack when asked about its disclosure.
“This is a coordinated terrorist attack plan,” Vance said.
He also referenced the administration’s broader efforts to investigate funding networks linked to extremist groups, while suggesting political rhetoric has contributed to rising tensions.
While he did not provide details on the suspects’ motives, Vance criticized Democrats in Washington, saying more accountability was needed to address political violence.
“Everyone has a role to play in stopping this, but I think a lot of my Democratic colleagues in Washington need to take a look in the mirror and ask why so much of this political violence is coming from our side of the spectrum,” Vance said.
