The FBI has released photographs of two of the five individuals arrested for their alleged involvement in a plot to carry out an attack targeting the White House. U.S. authorities also released images of equipment seized during the operation. According to information cited by Fox News Digital, the plan involved the use of explosive-laden drones to strike buildings surrounding the event venue.
According to the same sources, the perpetrators intended to cause chaos and mass panic, forcing the gathered crowd to move in a predetermined direction — where armed snipers had allegedly been positioned to exploit the confusion and open fire on civilians.
Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, California, and Michael Alan Thomas, 32, of Pinon Hills, California, are among five men charged for their roles in an alleged plot to carry out an attack to kill government officials and others attending the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)… pic.twitter.com/IMxEGISFmg
— FBI Los Angeles (@FBILosAngeles) June 17, 2026
Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, California, and Michael Alan Thomas, 32, of Pinon Hills, California, are among the five men charged in connection with the alleged plot to assassinate government officials and civilians attending the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event at the White House last Sunday.
USA: Five arrests over alleged plot to attack UFC event at the White House
The FBI and its partners launched an investigation into the plot and identified a group of conspirators who had acquired weapons and were planning to carry out the attack. Arrests were made over the weekend in Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, and California.
The UFC fights were held as part of the celebrations marking President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. The high-profile event was attended by approximately 4,300 people, including 1,200 active-duty U.S. military personnel, while 14 fighters from various countries competed in a specially constructed octagon.
Commenting on the case on Fox News, U.S. Vice President JD Vance described it as an “extremely dark situation” and called for a de-escalation of political tensions. “This is what happens when political rhetoric reaches a point where disagreement becomes a justification for violence,” he said, adding that all sides of the political spectrum have a responsibility to help reduce the climate of polarization.
The incident adds to a growing list of threats and security incidents targeting Trump and senior members of his administration, heightening concerns about political violence in the United States.
