The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) foiled an attack on the White House during the celebrations marking US President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, said the agency’s director, Kash Patel.
According to Patel, the FBI became aware of the potential threat as early as 10 June. He did not provide any details, but noted that several people had been detained in the days that followed.
Sources at Fox News reported that five people had been detained, whilst a total of 23 individuals were involved in planning the attack. They intended to strike neighbouring buildings with drones to provoke an evacuation from the White House, and then open fire on the crowd. They saw the political elite as the target of the attack.
Trump marked his 80th birthday on 14 June by organising a UFC tournament on the White House lawn.