FBI foils drone and sniper plot targeting Trumps birthday event

The FBI on Wednesday thwarted a sophisticated plot to attack a high-profile mixed martial arts event marking former US president Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, charging five men aged 19 to 32 with conspiracy to commit murder. The suspects allegedly planned to deploy explosive-laden drones and sniper teams against “high-value targets,” including Trump himself, during the cage-fight gala outside the White House on Sunday. Authorities said the conspiracy was uncovered only days before the event, with the youngest suspect’s mother alerting police after discovering weapons and bomb-making materials at her son’s home.

Federal prosecutors in Washington filed the charges on Tuesday, alleging the group coordinated plans to detonate drones packed with C-4 explosives above the venue and position snipers to eliminate key figures. Court filings obtained by *Der Standard* describe the operation as “a multi-pronged assault” targeting both the president and senior government officials in attendance. The FBI’s Washington Field Office confirmed the arrests in a statement, stating the plot was “neutralised before any harm could occur.”

Among those charged is a 19-year-old from Virginia, whose mother contacted authorities on Friday after finding a cache of firearms and bomb components in his bedroom. The teenager, whose name has not been released, is accused of procuring materials and recruiting accomplices via encrypted messaging apps. Investigators believe the group drew inspiration from online extremist forums, though no formal ties to organised terror networks have been established. Hungarian outlet *444.hu* reported that the suspects allegedly scouted the venue days before the event, with one member photographed near the perimeter fence .

The case has intensified scrutiny of domestic extremism in the US, particularly among young, radicalised individuals. Legal experts note that the charges—conspiracy to commit murder and weapons offences—carry potential life sentences, reflecting the severity of the allegations. A spokesperson for the US Department of Justice declined to comment on whether the investigation had expanded beyond the five accused. Meanwhile, the White House has yet to issue an official response, though Trump’s social media accounts remain active, with his latest post on Tuesday praising the UFC’s “tremendous” ratings.

Security experts warn that the plot underscores the evolving tactics of lone-wolf attackers, who increasingly favour drone technology and improvised explosives to bypass traditional countermeasures. The incident comes amid heightened tensions ahead of November’s midterm elections, with federal agencies monitoring a rise in threats against political figures. The FBI has urged vigilance, emphasising that the case “highlights the persistent and unpredictable nature of domestic terrorism.”

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