The FBI reportedly thwarted a planned drone attack near the White House last weekend during the UFC Freedom 250 event.

Despite the event appearing to pass without incident, the FBI has since been credited with dismantling a sophisticated drone attack plot targeting the White House, leading to five arrests.

According to FOX News, a "network of plotters" had devised a scheme to deploy explosive-laden drones to strike buildings in the vicinity of the Freedom 250 event. The intention was to trigger a mass evacuation, funnelling crowds towards a pre-positioned sniper team.

At present, five individuals remain in custody, while investigators have identified a total of 23 people connected to the plot. Officials also disclosed that following the planned initial drone strike, a "second wave" of attackers had been organised to storm the White House gates.

The FBI reportedly first became aware of the threat on 10th June, just days before the high-profile UFC event at the White House. After authorities uncovered the scheme, a suspect was taken into custody in Cincinnati.

Other individuals linked to the plot had reportedly planned to travel to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12/13 to make preparations for the assault — details that emerged after investigators scrutinised the group's Signal communications.

One suspect also reportedly told investigators that the aim of the scheme was to target "capitalist elites" and "billionaires", as well as politicians who had received donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

In a statement to the network, FBI Director Kash Patel praised the FBI, the Department of Justice and law enforcement agencies for their swift response in foiling the planned attack.

"Thanks to the rapid action of this FBI, our partners, and the Department of Justice in a multi-state operation, multiple individuals are now in custody and allegedly planned attacks were stopped cold," Patel said.

He continued: "While the result represented the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this law enforcement team.

"We are built to detect, respond to, and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens - particularly during large gatherings like the historic UFC 250 fight. That's exactly what we did here.

"I want to thank our great agents and partners, this work remains ongoing, and we will continue to update the public as permitted."