Federal authorities have disrupted a plot to attack the UFC cage-fighting event held at the White House over the weekend, with multiple individuals now in custody, FBI Director Kash Patel announced Tuesday. The arrests, which took place across several states including Ohio, Missouri, and California, were the result of a rapid multi-state operation that began after the FBI learned of the potential threat on June 10, four days before the mixed-martial arts extravaganza on the White House’s South Lawn.
Patel stated in a post on X that the planned attacks were "stopped cold" thanks to the coordinated efforts of the FBI, its partners, and the Department of Justice. A law enforcement official familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that five people were arrested.
The nature of the threat was not immediately disclosed, but additional details are expected to be released once charges are unsealed later Tuesday. The event itself proceeded without incident, featuring President Donald Trump, who celebrated his 80th birthday at the UFC show, tying the fights to broader celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The White House has not issued a statement on the thwarted attacks, but security around the venue was notably tight throughout the weekend.