Two more arrested over plot to attack Trump's birthday MMA event at White House

The plot

The conspiracy involved drone explosives to trigger chaos and snipers to target high-ranking officials. According to the Justice Department, the suspects planned to launch drones loaded with explosives around the outdoor arena, forcing a mass evacuation. Hidden gunmen would then open fire on "high-ranking targets" in the fleeing crowd, including cabinet members. The plot was uncovered by the FBI on June 10, four days before the event.

The event

President Trump held a mixed martial arts cage-fight spectacle on the White House South Lawn to mark his 80th birthday on June 14. The Ultimate Fighting Championship event was officially billed as part of the 250th anniversary of US independence, though that falls on July 4. A temporary arena hosted about 4,000 invited guests, including Trump's family, several cabinet members, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Paramount CEO David Ellison, whose network held exclusive broadcasting rights. An additional 100,000 people watched on a large screen in a nearby park. The show was estimated to cost $60 million.

“One of the most exciting days in the history of our legendary White House!”

Investigation and arrests

The FBI and law enforcement became aware of a "potential threat" to the event on June 10, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. Authorities arrested five suspects, aged 19 to 32, before the event; they were taken into custody in Ohio and California. The Justice Department announced the indictments on June 16, including charges of conspiracy to murder and targeting government members. Then, on June 19, a sixth suspect was arrested in Washington state, accused of discussing how to attach explosives to the drones. The seventh was arrested on June 21 in Missouri, allegedly agreeing to manufacture drone parts. All seven now face conspiracy to murder charges. The two latest suspects appeared in court for the first time on June 22.

Prior assassination attempts

Trump has survived multiple recent attacks. In April 2026, a shooter attempted to storm a press dinner but was neutralized. A July 2024 campaign rally in Pennsylvania saw a bullet graze his right ear. In September 2024, a man armed with a rifle hid near the edge of his golf course.