Federal and local security agencies in the United States have detained five individuals connected to a plot believed to target the UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House.
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that the threat was first detected on June 10, and a swift operation was launched four days later before the event on the South Lawn. Patel stated that the FBI and the Department of Justice acted together to prevent the planned attacks.
The arrests took place in Ohio, Missouri, and California. Since official charges have not yet been made public, further details of the case are expected to emerge as sealed documents are unsealed in the coming hours.
Security Agencies Collaborated Closely
U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran also confirmed the agency's involvement in the investigation. Curran emphasized the agency's continuous efforts to identify those responsible and ensure accountability.
The targeted event had already attracted significant attention as the White House hosted a professional sports event for the first time in its history. The organization was part of the 250th Anniversary celebrations.
It was reported that approximately 4,300 tickets were primarily allocated to military personnel, and around 85,000 people in the nearby Ellipse area were planned to watch the event on large screens.
Security measures had already been heightened. Federal regulations prohibit drone flights over the National Capital Region; the Secret Service had also requested attendees to leave their drones at home.
The arrests are seen as a new example of the ongoing sensitivity regarding the security of major, high-profile federal events in the United States.
