23 People Plotted to Storm Trump, FBI Thwarts Three-Stage White House Attack Conspiracy

FBI Thwarts Coordinated Terrorist Plot Against White House During Trump’s Birthday, UFC Event; 5 Arrested June 17 (AP) — FBI Director Cash Patel announced Tuesday the bureau successfully foiled a planned terrorist attack targeting the White House, timed to coincide with two high-profile events on the South Lawn on June 14: former President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday celebration and the UFC “Free 250” fight. The gathering drew approximately 4,300 people, including 1,200 active-duty U.S. service members, officials noted. The plot was structured in three distinct phases, per law enforcement: First, explosive-laden drones would strike buildings surrounding the White House to spark widespread chaos. Next, attackers would trigger mass panic to funnel fleeing crowds toward a pre-designated zone, where a sniper team waited to open fire. The final phase called for a direct assault on the White House’s main entrance. Authorities uncovered the plan after a relative of one of the conspirators came forward to alert officials. On June 10 — four days before the planned attack — the FBI followed up on the tip and traced the threat to an informal network operating via the encrypted messaging app Signal. Twenty-three individuals are linked to the plot; five suspects have been taken into custody in Ohio, Missouri, and California, officials confirmed. Secret Service Director Sean Kurland stated his agency remains focused on identifying and apprehending all people involved in the scheme. Meanwhile, former President Trump, who was in France attending the G7 summit when the plot was revealed, told reporters Tuesday he has not yet received a formal briefing on the foiled attack.