The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested five individuals on charges of planning an attack on a sporting event at the White House and plotting to assassinate senior U.S. officials.
In a statement released on Tuesday, June 16, the Department said the suspects intended to target a UFC (mixed martial arts) event held on Sunday in the White House complex.
According to the statement, the arrested individuals are from the states of Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, and California, and investigations into the scope of the case are ongoing.
The Department of Justice stated that the FBI became aware of a potential threat just four days before the event and was able to identify and neutralize the plan prior to its execution.
Security officials said that a review of the suspects’ digital devices indicated that one member of the group played a leadership and coordination role in the operation.
Prosecutors stated that part of the alleged plan involved drone attacks carrying explosives against surrounding buildings, as well as targeting high-profile individuals, including several senators.
One suspect arrested in Ohio was found to possess digital devices containing encrypted messages. Authorities said these messages provided key leads that helped investigators identify additional individuals involved in the case.
According to prosecutors’ findings, the perpetrators intended to use drones to create panic and direct crowds toward an area where a team of snipers was reportedly positioned.
In the next phase of the operation, another group was allegedly planning to storm the White House gates and carry out further elements of the attack.
U.S. judicial authorities said the group members first met in March and had spent more than three months preparing for the attack, including acquiring weapons, ammunition, and conducting operational training.
The Department of Justice further stated that the suspects held extremist religious and anti-government views, which motivated their alleged planning of the attack on the White House-hosted sporting event.
The sporting event in question was held on the evening of Sunday, June 14, in the presence of the U.S. President and several senior officials, with extensive security measures in place.
The program was held to mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and was organized under the direction of President Donald Trump.
According to published information, approximately 4,300 VIP guests attended the event, while an additional 85,000 people watched the competition from surrounding areas via large screens.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
