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Five Charged in U.S. Over Alleged Plot to Attack Trump Birthday Event
🇩🇪 Germany /Conflict & Security

Five Charged in U.S. Over Alleged Plot to Attack Trump Birthday Event

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Five men have been charged in the U.S. with conspiracy to commit murder related to alleged plot to attack Donald Trump's 80th birthday celebration.
  • The suspects, aged 19 to 32, reportedly planned to use explosive-laden drones to trigger an evacuation, followed by sniper attacks on "high-value targets."
  • The FBI arrested the suspects last week, preventing the attack, with one 19-year-old's mother alerting authorities.

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged five men, ranging in age from 19 to 32, with conspiracy to commit murder in connection with an alleged plot to attack the cage-fighting event celebrating former President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced the arrests, stating they prevented a significant attack planned for the Washington D.C. event.

According to the Justice Department, the suspects intended to use drones armed with explosives to create chaos and trigger an evacuation. Following the initial disruption, they allegedly planned to use snipers to target "high-value targets" within the fleeing crowd. The plot also reportedly included targeting other government officials, indicating a broader scope beyond the birthday event itself.

FBI Director Kash Patel stated on platform X that multiple arrests "nipped the alleged planned attacks in the bud." The arrests took place across several states: two in California, and one each in Ohio, Missouri, and Nebraska. The youngest suspect, a 19-year-old arrested in Ohio, was apprehended after his mother contacted local police, reporting her son's association with an extremist group.

The alleged planned attacks were nipped in the bud.

— Kash PatelFBI Director commenting on the successful prevention of the planned attack.

Authorities found that the 19-year-old had amassed firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and combat gear at his Ohio residence. He had also reportedly identified potential targets, including members of Congress. The FBI and law enforcement were alerted to a "potential threat" on June 10, leading to the swift intervention.

Interim Justice Secretary Todd Blanche praised the "swift response" and vigilance of law enforcement. Trump's spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, expressed gratitude on X to the "heroic members of the security forces" for their dedication to national security. The event itself, a mixed-martial-arts spectacle, was held near the White House and drew approximately 4,000 guests, including Trump, his family, and other notable figures.

The heroic members of the security forces who are dedicated to the safety of our country.

— Karoline LeavittTrump's spokesperson expressing gratitude to law enforcement for thwarting the plot.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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