Reports: FBI halted potential terrorist threat targeting UFC White House event

Federal law enforcement agencies thwarted an alleged terrorist plot targeting the UFC White House event in June 2026, preventing what authorities described as a multi-phase attack involving explosives and armed operatives.

According to reports, the scheme included plans to deploy explosive-laden drones to force an evacuation, directing crowds toward a predetermined sniper position. A second wave of attackers allegedly intended to storm the White House gate. Federal prosecutors identified an individual named Proper as a group leader. Court documents revealed that Proper spent approximately $3,000 of graduation money acquiring equipment for the alleged attack, including thousands of rounds of ammunition, plate carriers, AR-style magazines, an AR-style rifle, and a bullpup rifle painted with an American flag. Proper's mother contacted authorities after growing concerned about his behavior and his involvement with a group claiming former military and Christian-based affiliations that espoused ultra-religious and anti-government sentiments.

The FBI learned of the threat on June 10 and coordinated with the Department of Justice, Secret Service, and other law enforcement partners to neutralize the alleged threat. FBI Director Kash Patel characterized the investigative response as exemplary work. The UFC White House event proceeded as scheduled, drawing approximately 4,300 attendees including 1,200 active-duty military members and President Donald Trump, plus an additional 80,000 viewers at a watch party in nearby Ellipse Park. The card was delayed roughly one hour due to weather. Trump stated he was unaware of the alleged attack, focusing instead on praising the quality of competition. Justin Gaethje captured the undisputed lightweight title with a fourth-round stoppage of Ilia Topuria in the headliner, while Ciryl Gane won interim heavyweight gold by finishing former two-division champion Alex Pereira in the co-main event.