The FBI says it stopped a plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, with explosive drones reportedly meant to target buildings in the area before the June 14 show.
Five suspects were arrested across multiple states in the days leading up to the event, which drew a heavy WWE and TKO contingent to the South Lawn.
Triple H, World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns, and WWE President Nick Khan were among the wrestling figures in attendance Sunday, putting some of the company’s biggest names at a venue that authorities now say was the target of planned attacks.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the foiled plot in a statement on Tuesday, per FBI Director Kash Patel (via X / Twitter). According to Patel, the bureau became aware of the plot on June 10, planned by individuals from multiple states outside the Washington, D.C. region.
ABC News reported that the plot “included explosive drones that were to target buildings in the area of the event.”
FBI Director’s Statement
“Thanks to the rapid action of this 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 wrote.
“While the result represented the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this law enforcement team. We are built to detect, respond to, and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens, particularly during large gatherings like the historic UFC 250 fight. That’s exactly what we did here. I want to thank our great agents and partners, this work remains ongoing and we will continue to update the public as permitted.”
Freedom 250 At The White House
Freedom 250 took place on the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday, June 14. It was a part of the summer-long celebrations for the United States’ 250th birthday.
The event also fell on the 80th birthday of President Donald Trump, who said Tuesday that he had not been briefed on the foiled plot.
“I haven’t heard about it, no,” Trump said. “The attack that I watched were the fighters. They were as good of fights as I’ve ever seen.”
With WWE and UFC sharing the same parent company, Khan, Triple H, and Reigns were among those on hand for the crossover spectacle. SEScoops previously documented Triple H hitting his signature pose beside Roman Reigns, while Shane McMahon was also spotted at the event. The investigation remains ongoing.