FBI thwarts White House UFC plot involving explosive drones and snipers

The FBI has thwarted a plot to attack Donald Trump's birthday UFC event at the White House, arresting five people who allegedly planned to use explosive-laden drones, snipers and a storming of the gates. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Tuesday that the 'multi-state operation' had 'stopped cold' what he called 'allegedly planned attacks'. The plot, uncovered four days before Sunday's UFC Freedom 250 extravaganza on the South Lawn, involved striking nearby buildings with explosive drones to spark panic, then forcing fleeing crowds toward a pre-staged sniper team, according to sources who spoke to CBS News. A 'second wave' of attackers would then allegedly have attempted to storm the White House gate. One suspect was arrested in Cincinnati last week, and investigators gained access to Signal chats in which at least 23 people discussed the plan, officials told Fox News Digital. Those arrested came from Ohio, Missouri and California, sources told the Associated Press. The alleged goal, according to one suspect's messages, was to target 'capitalist elites', 'billionaires' or politicians who received donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Patel said in a social media post: 'We are built to detect, respond to and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens - particularly during large gatherings like the historic UFC 250 fight.' The Secret Service 'worked closely with the FBI throughout this investigation', director Sean Curran said in a statement, adding that formal comments would come in court filings. The event itself went ahead without incident on Sunday, attended by an estimated 4,300 invitees on the South Lawn and another 85,000 at a nearby fan zone. It marked both the nation's 250th anniversary and Trump's 80th birthday. The thwarted attack follows a shooting at the White House Correspondents' dinner two months ago and another in which a man was killed by Secret Service agents after opening fire at a White House checkpoint a month ago.