Thwarted UFC drone plot underscores ‘warfare literally has come to our streets’

Published June 17, 2026 6:00am ET | Updated June 17, 2026 9:54am ET



The thwarted drone attack targeting the UFC fight at the White House over the weekend is a stark example of how the threat in the United States is very much one for the present and not just the future.

The FBI announced on Tuesday morning it made five arrests in connection to an alleged drone attack plot targeting the fight, and on one of the suspects’ phones, authorities found at least 23 Signal users involved in discussing parameters of what could have been a devastating terrorist attack.

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