Nicolai Haugsted
According to the FBI, snipers were being spotted and stopped at the event.
A celebration meant to mark a historic milestone for the United States is now at the center of a major federal investigation after authorities revealed they had disrupted what they describe as a coordinated plot targeting a high-profile UFC event attended by President Donald Trump.
According to Reuters via. court documents unsealed Tuesday, federal agents arrested five individuals accused of planning an attack on the UFC America 250 event held on the White House lawn over the weekend.
The event went ahead without incident, but investigators now allege that a far more dangerous scenario had been unfolding behind the scenes.
Alleged plot involved drones and snipers
Federal authorities claim the group intended to use explosive-equipped drones to strike an area near the north side of the White House.
Investigators allege the objective was not only to cause chaos, but also to direct attendees toward a designated exit route where armed attackers would then open fire.
Trump attended the event on Saturday, which coincided with his 80th birthday celebrations and formed part of commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Several senior Republican lawmakers, donors and administration officials were also present.
FBI Director Kash Patel said authorities became aware of the threat days before the event.
“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,” Patel said in a statement.
Five people taken into custody
Court filings indicate that at least three of the suspects have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
Additional charges include conspiracy against the United States and multiple weapons-related offenses.
Authorities say members of the group appeared to share anti-government conspiracy beliefs. Court documents further suggest that frustration over the handling of files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein played a role in motivating some of those involved.
Investigators also allege that one suspect expressed interest in targeting lawmakers who had received campaign contributions from pro-Israel organizations.
No pleas have yet been entered in court, and attorney information for the defendants was not immediately available.
Mother’s warning helped uncover case
The investigation reportedly gained momentum after the mother of 19-year-old suspect Tycen Proper contacted local police in Ohio.
Authorities say she became concerned after her son purchased several weapons and began communicating with people online whom she considered dangerous.
According to an FBI affidavit, Proper later acknowledged to investigators that he knew about plans for a coordinated attack connected to the UFC event.
Fox News Digital reported that as many as 23 individuals may have been linked to the broader network.
Questions remain about wider connections
Speaking from the G7 summit in France, Trump said he had not been informed about the alleged plot before reporters asked him about it.
Vice President JD Vance suggested investigators are now focused on determining how extensive the operation may have been and whether outside support played a role.
“Twenty-three people do not get to the point where they’re going to commit a mass terror incident in Washington, D.C. without some serious funding, without some serious coordination,” Vance said during an interview with Fox News.
Federal authorities have not announced any additional arrests, but investigators continue examining what they describe as a broader network connected to the alleged plan.
