FIRST ON FOX: The FBI and its law enforcement partners disrupted an alleged plot targeting this weekend’s UFC Freedom 250 event in Washington, D.C., officials told Fox News Digital.Five people were in custody as of Monday, and investigators identified 23 people as part of a potential network of plotters.The alleged plan involved using explosive-laden drones to hit buildings near the event, force a mass evacuation and steer crowds toward a pre-staged sniper team, officials said.A "second wave" was then allegedly planned to storm the White House gate, according to officials.The FBI first learned of the threat on June 10 and worked with partners to secure probable cause for an arrest in Cincinnati, where one suspect was taken into custody.FROM RALLY GUNFIRE TO WHITE HOUSE SHOOTING, THREATS AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP CONTINUE TO MOUNTFireworks explode as crowds gather for UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Jacquelyn Martin - Pool/Getty Images)Investigators later uncovered Signal chats in which multiple people allegedly discussed attacking the UFC event.
An initial review of one suspect’s iPhone identified at least 23 Signal users discussing pre-operational activity, officials said.Some of those involved allegedly planned to travel to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12 or 13 to prepare for the attack.One suspect allegedly told investigators the goal was to target "capitalist elites," "billionaires" or politicians who received donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.The investigation stretched across at least 12 FBI field offices.PBS AFFILIATE BOARD CHAIRMAN UNDER FIRE AFTER SAYING HE HOPES TRUMP SUFFERS STROKEFBI Director Kash Patel spoke during a press conference at the Department of Justice on April 21, 2026.(Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)FROM RALLY GUNFIRE TO WHITE HOUSE SHOOTING, THREATS AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP CONTINUE TO MOUNTFBI Director Kash Patel credited the FBI, the Departme...