US authorities charge eight over White House UFC assassination plot
According to the DOJ, the suspects planned to use explosive-laden drones around the event to trigger an evacuation before deploying snipers to take down "high-value targets" fleeing the venue.
WASHINGTON - Eight men have been charged over an alleged plot to attack a mixed martial arts event held at the White House on US President Donald Trump's birthday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Thursday.
A federal grand jury in Columbus charged the men with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, conspiracy to commit murder on federal government property, and conspiracy to murder a federal government official. They face potential life sentences if convicted.
According to the DOJ, the suspects planned to use explosive-laden drones around the event to trigger an evacuation before deploying snipers to take down "high-value targets" fleeing the venue.
Authorities had previously announced the arrests of seven suspects. An eighth suspect, a 21-year-old man who prosecutors said was intended to act as a sniper, was arrested this week in the state of West Virginia.
The event, hosted by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and named "UFC Freedom 250” took place on June 14 in a specially built arena outside the South Lawn of the White House and was attended by Trump, members of his family and several cabinet officials.
While the event coincided with Trump's 80th birthday, it was officially held as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, although the Independence Day holiday is on July 4. - BERNAMA
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