FBI says it thwarted plot to use drones, snipers to attack White House UFC event
Key takeaways
- One person charged expressed interest in targeting lawmakers who had received campaign donations from pro-Israel groups, the documents said.
- “On June 10, FBI and our law enforcement partners became aware of a potential threat to the UFC America 250 event in Washington, D.C.
- Read more: Nate Bargatze draws backlash after attending Trump’s White House UFC fight night
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Add ARY News on Google AAResize The FBI said on Tuesday it thwarted a planned attack on the Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed martial arts event on the White House lawn on the weekend, taking five people into custody, according to court documents.
The plot involved using explosive-laden drones to strike the north side of the White House with the aim of funneling attendees toward an exit where snipers planned to open fire on fleeing politicians and others, the FBI alleged in court papers.
U.S. President Donald Trump attended the event, which was staged without incident on his 80th birthday, along with several senior Republican lawmakers, donors and administration officials to commemorate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.