US charges five in alleged assassination plot against Trump at UFC event

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — The US Department of Justice announced on Sunday that a plot targeting a UFC event at the White House constituted an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, according to a formal statement. Federal prosecutors filed aggravated criminal charges against five individuals connected to the plan. The Federal Bureau of Investigation said the scheme involved using explosive-laden drones to sabotage the match, creating a panic to force the crowd to evacuate, and then firing on Trump with sniper rifles. Of 23 people identified as participants in the plot, five have been taken into custody, the Justice Department said. The defendants face life in prison and fines of $250,000 each. Investigators found that the group studied satellite imagery of Washington, conducted shooting training camps in desert areas, and opposed US legislation while criticizing the First Amendment. According to the FBI, the cell was not linked to any foreign organization and identified itself as the "American Christian Legion." Vice President JD Vance described the plan as "poorly prepared." No further details on the investigation were immediately available.