The FBI and its law enforcement partners disrupted an alleged plot targeting this weekend’s UFC Freedom 250 event in Washington, D.C., officials told Fox News Digital. Five people were in custody as of Monday, and investigators identified 23 people as part of a potential network of plotters.

Alleged Plot Details

The alleged plan involved using explosive-laden drones to hit buildings near the event, force a mass evacuation and steer crowds toward a pre-staged sniper team, officials said. A ‘second wave’ was then allegedly planned to storm the White House gate, according to officials.

The FBI first learned of the threat on June 10 and worked with partners to secure probable cause for an arrest in Cincinnati, where one suspect was taken into custody. Investigators later uncovered Signal chats in which multiple people allegedly discussed attacking the UFC event.

One suspect allegedly told investigators the goal was to target ‘capitalist elites,’ ‘billionaires’ or politicians who received donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. The investigation stretched across at least 12 FBI field offices.

FBI Response

FBI Director Kash Patel credited the FBI, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and law enforcement partners with acting quickly across multiple states to prevent the alleged attack. ‘Thanks to the rapid action of this FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation, multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold,’ Patel said in a statement.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.