Eight men have been indicted on murder and terrorism conspiracy charges for allegedly plotting to attack a mixed martial arts event held on the South Lawn of the White House in June 2026. The event, known as the "UFC Freedom 250," was hosted by US President Donald Trump and coincided with the start of celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US independence as well as Trump's 80th birthday.

The suspects, aged between 19 and 32, are accused of planning to use armed drones to target the event, with snipers assigned to fire on "high value targets" amid the disruption. FBI special agent Jason Cromartie stated the group intended to carry out a mass casualty attack using drones armed with explosives and firearms aimed at people fleeing in the crowds.

US Attorney Dominick Gerace announced that the eight alleged plotters were charged in a two-count federal indictment in Columbus, Ohio. The charges include conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory, and conspiracy to murder federal government officials, including the president, vice president, and members of Congress.

One of the suspects, 21-year-old Chandler Scaggs of West Virginia, was arrested recently and had allegedly been assigned the role of a sniper.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that the plot was foiled prior to the June 14 event, which ultimately took place without incident and attracted thousands of fans to a temporary arena called "The Claw" towering over the White House.

Sources