The FBI successfully thwarted a planned drone attack that would have utilized explosives, snipers, and involved storming the White House. The attack was intended to occur during Donald Trump's 80th birthday UFC fight, which proceeded without incident over the weekend.
Details of the Planned Attack
According to reports, the terror plot involved using explosive-laden drones to strike buildings in the area, followed by snipers targeting fleeing crowds. A second wave of attackers would then attempt to storm the White House gates.
Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the plot in Cincinnati, Ohio; Fredericksburg, Virginia; and other locations.
Discovery of the Plot
The plot was uncovered when officials discovered a Signal group chat discussing the potential terror attack. The group was formed to target billionaires and politicians who received money from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated: '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.'
Security Measures at the Event
The president was surrounded by cabinet leaders, top administration officials, Republican lawmakers, and over 4,000 spectators during the UFC fight. Security measures were extensive, including rooftop shooters, K9 units, explosive detectors, and surveillance cameras.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle commented before the event: 'President Trump's No. 1 priority is the safety and security of anyone who is participating or attending the many events honouring the Nation during our historical semiquincentennial celebrations.'
Highlights of Trump's UFC Event
Trump's 80th birthday celebration featured a giant UFC ring erected outside the White House, attended by numerous celebrities. The president and UFC chief Dana White walked together from the Oval Office to the White House balcony overlooking the open-sided arena, nicknamed 'The Claw,' on the South Lawn.
The national anthem was played as a formation of fighter jets streaked overhead, prompting cheers and chants of 'USA, USA' from the crowd.
Among the 4,000 guests was British heavyweight boxing star Tyson Fury, wearing a 'Donald Trump for Prime Minister' baseball hat. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was also seen speaking with the president during a break in the action.
Other notable attendees with cage-side seats included FBI Director Kash Patel, acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Sir Christian Turner, the UK's ambassador to the US, posted an image of himself at the event on X with the caption: 'Celebrating US250 the American way.'
