'Attacks stopped cold': FBI says it thwarted 'potential threat' to White House UFC event

Fireworks explode above the White House during the UFC Freedom 250 fights on the South Lawn, in Washington

The FBI on Tuesday revealed an alleged plot to target the UFC America 250 event held at the White House over the weekend, saying multiple suspects had been taken into custody following a multi-state operation.FBI Director Kash Patel said authorities became aware of a potential threat on June 10, four days before the mixed martial arts event in Washington, DC. The threat involved individuals outside the National Capital Region, he said. He said the investigation remained ongoing and praised federal and local law enforcement agencies for preventing what he described as planned attacks ahead of the event, which was attended by President Donald Trump.“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 – and 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,” he said.“While the result represented the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this law enforcement team – we are built to detect, respond to, and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens – particularly during large gatherings like the historic UFC 250 fight. That’s exactly what we did here. I want to thank our great agents and partners, this work remains ongoing and we will continue to update the public as permitted,” he added.According to law enforcement officials cited by the Associated Press, five people were arrested in states including Ohio, Missouri and California. The nature of the alleged plot was not immediately disclosed, with additional details expected after charges are unsealed.US Secret Service Director Sean Curran said the agency worked closely with law enforcement partners to identify those responsible and hold them accountable.