Multiple People Arrested In Alleged UFC Freedom 250 Plot

Federal agents have arrested several people they believe were planning an attack on the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, the FBI director said. Kash Patel confirmed on Tuesday, June 16.

“On June 10, the FBI and law enforcement partners became aware of a potential threat to the UFC America 250 event in Washington, DC involving people from outside the National Capital Region,” Patel, 46, wrote on X. “And because of the swift action of the FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice in the multi-county raid, many people have been arrested and are suspected of being taken into custody.”

The allegations involve using drones and gunmen to attack a UFC event, a law enforcement official told CNN. The Secret Service and the FBI found text messages between 23 people discussing the attack, Patel said.

“Although the result represented excellent investigative work, it was not typical of this police team,” Patel continued. “We are designed to find, respond, and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens – especially during large events like the historic UFC 250 fight. That is exactly what we have done here. I want to thank our great agents and partners, this work continues and we will continue to inform the public as permitted.”

UFC Freedom 250 took place Saturday, June 14 on the White House's South Lawn, with a seven-fight card, highlighted by Justin GaethjeThe defeat of Ilia Topuria and heavyweight Cyril Gane to knock Alex Pereira.

“In the days leading up to this weekend, our special agents, mission support staff, and technical security teams worked around the clock to identify those involved and hold them accountable,” Secret Service Director. Sean Curran wrote about X.

The FBI did not provide CNN with additional details about the nature of the alleged planned attack.

President Donald Trumpwho attended UFC Freedom 250 as a spectator, was asked about Tuesday's threat at the G7 summit in France, telling reporters, “I haven't heard about it.”

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The event came with political turmoil, fueled by the heavyweight fighter Josh Hokitthe first lady's comments Michelle Obama during the post-war interview. UFC CEO Dana White he later criticized the comments and explained in a separate statement that the evening was about celebrating America's 250th birthday, not politics.

“I love this country,” White, 56, said via ESPN. “This event was to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of America.

He added, “I believe that if you are an American, no matter where you sit politically, tonight was a proud night to sit together and celebrate America's 250th birthday. I hope that every American feels that.”