Eight men have been indicted in connection with a plot to attack a UFC cage-fighting event held on the South Lawn of the White House using drones and a sniper, the Associated Press reported on July 9, 2026. The indictment, unsealed in federal court, details a conspiracy to target the UFC Freedom 250 event that took place on June 14, 2026, which was attended by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Details of the Conspiracy
According to court documents, the suspects allegedly planned to use an unmanned aerial drone to drop explosives and a sniper to shoot at attendees, including the president. The plot was disrupted before it could be carried out, and no injuries were reported. The eight individuals face charges including conspiracy to commit terrorism, attempted murder, and possession of explosive devices.
Authorities have not released the names of the suspects but stated that they are all U.S. citizens with no known ties to foreign terrorist organizations. The investigation involved multiple federal agencies, including the FBI and the Secret Service.
Impact and Response
The indictment highlights ongoing security concerns for high-profile events at the White House. Security was already heightened for the UFC event, which featured a cage on the South Lawn. President Trump was not harmed, and the event proceeded without incident. The Justice Department has praised the collaborative efforts that led to the arrests, emphasizing the importance of interagency cooperation in preventing such attacks.
