FBI says it thwarted possible threat to UFC event in Washington


The U.S. Army Band Downrange performs on the day of the UFC Freedom 250, in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 14, 2026. REUTERS/Eric Lee

WASHINGTON, June ⁠16 (Reuters) - The FBI said on Tuesday ⁠it had thwarted a potential ‌threat ahead of the Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed martial arts event in Washington last ​weekend and has multiple people ⁠in custody.

Fox News ⁠Digital cited unidentified sources as saying ⁠the ‌alleged plot involved using explosive-laden drones to hit buildings ⁠near the event.

"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. involving ⁠individuals outside of the ​National Capital Region," FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement posted on ⁠X.

Patel did not specify how many people were in custody after the multistate operation on the alleged planned ​attacks.

Five people were ⁠in custody and 23 were identified ​as part of a ‌network of plotters, Fox ​News Digital reported.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; editing by Susan Heavey)

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