FBI: 'Planned attacks' foiled at White House UFC event

Field Level Media|published: 06/16/2026, 12:07pm EDT

U.S. President Donald Trump and UFC CEO Dana White arrive for the UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 14, 2026. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters via Imagn Images

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Tuesday that law enforcement officials disrupted "planned attacks" at last weekend's White House UFC event that reportedly included explosive drones.

Five people were arrested from states including Ohio, Missouri and California, sources told The Associated Press.

ABC News reported that the alleged plots included drones designed to target buildings located near the UFC Freedom 250 eventm which took place on the South Lawn on Sunday night on President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.

The FBI said it learned about a possible threat last Wednesday.

"Thanks to the rapid action of the FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation, multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold," Patel said in a post on X on Tuesday morning.

Sean Curran, director of the Secret Service, said his agency "worked around the clock to identify those responsible and hold them accountable."

Additional details of the alleged plots and participants are expected to be released later Tuesday when the formal charges are unsealed.

--Field Level Media