The FBI has arrested five suspects in connection with a plot to attack the White House during a UFC event on President Trump's birthday, using explosive-laden drones to trigger panic and funnel crowds toward sniper positions, according to reports. At least 23 additional individuals have been identified in encrypted chat groups as part of the multi-stage plan, which also included a second-wave assault on the gates.
The FBI has arrested five suspects in a multi-stage plot to attack the White House, timed for President Trump's birthday during a UFC event on the South Lawn, according to reports. At least 23 additional individuals have been identified through encrypted chat groups involved in the planning. The bureau disclosed that the scheme included explosive-laden drones to create mass panic and funnel crowds toward sniper positions, followed by a second-wave assault on the gates. This development was first reported by Fox News Digital and picked up by Hebrew-language media on Tuesday afternoon (Tue 14:07 Jerusalem).
The story has unfolded rapidly. Earlier on Tuesday (Tue 14:07 Jerusalem), initial reports indicated the FBI had foiled a multi-stage drone attack targeting the UFC event near the White House, with five arrests. Within the same hour (Tue 14:07 Jerusalem), the bureau confirmed an expansive plot involving explosive drones and sniper teams aimed at the South Lawn. Subsequent reports (Tue 14:07 Jerusalem) specified the number of suspects at 20, with the plot timed for Trump's birthday and involving a second wave assault. By mid-afternoon (Tue 14:07 Jerusalem), the FBI confirmed five arrests and 23 others identified in encrypted chats. The bureau's official announcement (Tue 14:07 Jerusalem) detailed the second-wave and sniper positions targeting the South Lawn. This current update (Tue 15:14 Jerusalem) reports the arrests and identification of the 23 individuals. The source quality has evolved from initial Israeli media reports citing U.S. sources to an on-record FBI announcement.
As The Zioneer reported earlier on Tuesday, the plot was discovered days before its planned execution, with the FBI receiving initial intelligence on June 10. The operation involved a Signal group chat with 23 participants, of whom five have been arrested. The desk also reported that one detainee stated the goal was to harm "billionaires and capitalists" who receive money from the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC, though the connection to this specific White House plot remains unclear.
No details have been released on the identities or affiliations of the five arrested suspects. The investigation is ongoing, with further arrests possible.
10 developments
- StrongNew FBI details: Intel received June 10 on foiled AIPAC attack plot; 5 of 23 Signal group members arrested
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Source and signal
- Internal intake