WASHINGTON, June 17 -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced that it thwarted an alleged terrorist plot targeting a major UFC event held at the White House earlier this week, leading to the arrest of several suspects accused of planning a mass-casualty attack.

According to FBI Director Kash Patel, authorities identified a potential threat linked to the "UFC Freedom 250" event days before it took place on June 14. The event was hosted on the South Lawn of the White House and attracted large crowds.

In a statement shared on social media, Patel said the FBI, together with partner law enforcement agencies and the US Department of Justice, carried out a rapid operation that resulted in the arrest of multiple individuals all...