Updated 14.26 | Published 14.23
The martial arts gala was held on Sunday UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn.
A few days earlier, the FBI should have become aware of a possible threat to the event.
– Several suspects have been arrested, says FBI director Kash Patel Fox News.
The gala was held as part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, and also coincided with Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. The event is described as a collaboration between the White House and UFC-manager Dana White, who has long had close ties to Trump.
But the evening could have taken a completely different turn.
The network’s plans against the White House
One network reportedly planned to use explosive-laden drones to attack buildings near the event, causing a mass evacuation and directing people toward a pre-positioned group of snipers.
The plan after that was to storm the gates of the White House in a “second wave”.
On Monday, five people were arrested. Investigators have from outside chats on the encrypted app Signal identified another 23 people as part of the suspected network. The specific criminal suspects have not yet been made public.
Powerful people on site
In addition to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, there were also famous names such as podcast profiler Joe Regan, Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg, TKO manager Ari Emanuel and several high-ranking politicians in the Trump administration, according to American media.
Also the Swedish football star Zlatan Ibrahimovic was there.
FBI say the operation demonstrated their ability to react quickly when threats arise and are pleased with the results.
– The work is still ongoing and we will continue to keep the public informed to the extent possible, says FBI Director Kash Patel to Fox News.
