Federal authorities have thwarted a plot to attack a recent Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event held near the White House, according to court documents and official statements released Tuesday. The plan involved flying drones loaded with explosives over the crowd, detonating them, and subsequently opening fire on attendees as they fled.

The plotters reportedly communicated extensively about their intentions, including identifying specific government officials as targets. They also allegedly outlined drone launch sites and escape routes. It remains unclear how advanced the plot had become or the full extent of the individuals involved.

The Department of Justice announced Tuesday that five suspects were arrested across four states—California, Missouri, Nebraska, and Ohio—in connection with the investigation, which remains active. The arrests came as a result of a coordinated multi-state operation.

FBI Director Kash Patel revealed the disruption on social media Tuesday morning, stating that multiple individuals had been taken into custody in relation to a “potential threat” linked to the UFC event. The event, which took place over the weekend, was attended by President Donald Trump and other members of his administration.

Matthew C. Quinn, deputy director of the Secret Service, briefed reporters Tuesday, emphasizing that the event “was never at risk” owing to the effective investigative work. Nevertheless, he warned that some suspects linked to the case were still being sought.

The White House declined to comment beyond confirming the arrests, and the UFC did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FBI directed inquiries to Patel’s social media statement regarding the operation.

This incident has underscored ongoing concerns about security at large public gatherings, particularly those involving high-profile political figures. Federal authorities continue to investigate the matter to determine the full scope and prevent any further threats.