Eight Charged in Plot Targeting Mixed Martial Arts Event Near White House

The United States Department of Justice has filed charges against eight men accused of conspiring to attack a mixed martial arts event held at the White House to celebrate President Donald Trump's birthday.

A grand federal jury in Columbus indicted the suspects on charges including conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, conspiracy to commit murder on federal property, and killing a federal official. Conviction on these charges could result in life imprisonment.

According to the prosecution, the suspects planned to deploy drones loaded with explosives around the event site to force attendees to evacuate. Following this, snipers were to be positioned to target "high-value targets" amid the crowd's rush to leave.

Authorities had previously arrested seven suspects and this week apprehended an additional 21-year-old suspect in West Virginia, who is believed to have been assigned the role of a sniper in the plot.

The event, organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), took place on June 14 inside a specially constructed arena near the White House. President Trump, members of his family, and government officials attended as part of the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, coinciding with the president's 80th birthday.