FBI Details Alleged Drone Attack Plot Against White House UFC Event
FBI disrupted alleged plot using explosive drones against White House UFC event through intercepted communications.
Event / Conflict
Trump White House Security Threats
Multiple alleged plots and threats targeting Trump and White House events
1 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 6 May, 01:07 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
UFC America 250 event held at White House on President Trump's 80th birthday
The White House hosted the UFC America 250 event on June 16, 2025, on the South Lawn as part of celebrations of the nation's 250th anniversary. The event coincided with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. Approximately 90,000 people gathered in the area between the South Lawn and the Ellipse to watch 14 fighters from multiple countries compete.
FBI disrupts alleged multi-state plot to attack White House UFC event
The FBI and law enforcement partners disrupted an alleged plot to attack the UFC America 250 event held at the White House on June 16, 2025. Law enforcement became aware of the potential threat on June 10. Multiple individuals from states including Ohio, Missouri, and California were arrested in a multi-state operation. Five people were taken into custody as a result of the investigation.
FBI obtained Signal chat communications discussing alleged attack plans
Investigators obtained Signal chat communications in which multiple people allegedly discussed attacking the UFC event. The chats allegedly featured discussions of 'pre-operational activity' among a network of approximately 23 people. The alleged plot reportedly identified targets as 'billionaires,' 'capitalist elites,' and politicians with funding from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Secret Service and FBI coordinated investigation into alleged White House UFC event threat
The U.S. Secret Service worked closely with the FBI throughout the investigation into the alleged threat to the UFC America 250 event. Secret Service Director Sean Curran stated that special agents, mission support personnel, and technical security teams worked continuously in the days leading up to the event to identify those responsible.
Alleged plot involved explosive drones targeting White House UFC event buildings
According to law enforcement sources, the alleged plot included using explosive-laden drones to strike buildings near the UFC event venue on the White House South Lawn, designed to force attendees to evacuate toward a sniper team positioned to attack the fleeing crowd. The alleged perpetrators then planned to conduct a second wave attack attempting to storm the White House gate.
UFC event held at White House on Trump's 80th birthday
President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday at a UFC cage-fighting event held on the South Lawn of the White House on June 15, 2026. The event drew thousands of spectators and was tied to celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Five individuals arrested in multi-state operation
Five people were arrested from Ohio, Missouri, and California in connection with the alleged plot to attack the White House UFC event. The arrests were made following a multi-state law enforcement operation coordinated by the FBI and Department of Justice.
FBI disrupts alleged plot to attack White House UFC event
The FBI and law enforcement partners disrupted an alleged plot targeting the UFC cage-fighting event held at the White House on June 15, 2026. The plot reportedly involved using explosive-laden drones to hit buildings near the event to force mass evacuation and direct crowds toward a pre-staged sniper team.
Cole Allen indicted on four charges including attempted assassination of President Trump
Cole Allen was formally indicted by a federal grand jury on four charges: three counts from a criminal complaint (attempting to assassinate President Trump and two firearm charges) and a new count of assault on a federal law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon. The indictment alleges that on April 25, Allen armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives attempted to break through a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton where President Trump and other officials were attending the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Federal magistrate criticizes detention conditions for shooting suspect
U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui criticized the jail conditions where Cole Allen was being held, stating he was "very troubled" by the treatment the suspect was subjected to. Allen was initially placed on suicide watch in a padded cell with constant lighting and no access to phone or tablet, then downgraded to suicide precautions that limited his cell access and phone use. After reassessment on Friday, he was deemed not to be a suicide risk but remained in protective custody held separately from other inmates.
Cole Allen arraignment scheduled for May 11, 2026
Cole Allen, age 31, has not yet entered a plea and is set to be arraigned on May 11. His legal team agreed that he will remain detained during pre-trial proceedings. The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, who was nominated to the position by President Trump in 2017.
Secret Service officer shot with buckshot during White House Correspondents' Dinner attack
A uniformed Secret Service officer was hit by buckshot from Cole Allen's shotgun during the attempted attack at the Washington Hilton. The officer was struck on his protective vest but was not seriously hurt in the incident.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
FBI Disrupts Plot Against White House UFC Event Involving Five Arrests
FBI disrupts alleged White House UFC event plot; five arrested in multi-state operation.
Suspect's Arraignment Set as Judge Questions Detention Conditions
Arraignment scheduled May 11; federal judge questions detention conditions.
Suspect Indicted on Assassination Attempt Charges After White House Security Incident
Cole Allen indicted on attempted assassination charges after Secret Service officer shot at White House event.