Eight men indicted for drone-sniper plot at White House UFC

Federal prosecutors have unsealed an indictment charging eight men with conspiracy to commit murder and terrorism for their alleged roles in a thwarted plot to attack a high-profile mixed martial arts event at the White House in June. The two-count indictment, returned by a grand jury in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, alleges the group planned a coordinated drone and sniper assault on the "UFC Freedom 250" event held on the White House South Lawn on June 14.

The defendants, ranging in age from 19 to 32 and hailing from seven different states, are charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory and to murder a federal official. If convicted, they face sentences of up to life in prison. The indictment consolidates earlier criminal complaints filed in multiple jurisdictions.

According to the Justice Department, the alleged conspiracy began in May 2026. The group is accused of using encrypted online platforms, including Signal, Discord, and TikTok, to develop plans, recruit members, and encourage preparation. Prosecutors say they amassed an arsenal including firearms, ammunition, body...