FBI thwarts planned attacks on White House UFC event; multiple arrests made

Law enforcement officials successfully thwarted planned attacks targeting a UFC event held on the White House's South Lawn on Sunday, June 14, 2026. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Tuesday that multiple individuals are now in custody in connection with the alleged plot.

The FBI became aware of the potential threat on June 10, just four days before the mixed martial arts event. Director Patel credited the "rapid action" of the FBI, its partners, and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation for stopping the alleged attacks. Details about the nature of the threat have not yet been disclosed, with further information expected once charges are unsealed.

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and 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.

Five people were arrested, with law enforcement sources indicating they were from states including Ohio, Missouri, and California. These individuals allegedly planned to target the UFC event. The Secret Service also played a crucial role, with Director Sean Curran stating they "worked around the clock to identify those responsible and hold them accountable."

The UFC event, UFC Freedom 250, featured featherweight fighters Diego Lopez and Steve Garcia. President Donald Trump, who celebrated his 80th birthday at the event, had sought to link the fights to broader celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

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worked around the clock to identify those responsible and hold them accountable.