"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," Patel wrote. "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."
According to Fox News, five people were apprehended as of Monday in connection with a planned attack that would've launched explosive-carrying drones at buildings near the event. Snipers would've targeted people during evacuations of the area.
An assault on the White House gate would've followed the initial attack in what Fox News described as a "second wave." Along with the suspects in custody, at least 23 other people were identified as participating in planning the attack, the report added.
A dozen FBI field offices were involved in the investigation, and suspects were arrested in Ohio, California, Missouri and Nebraska. Billionaires, "capitalist elites" and politicians who received funding from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee were the alleged targets, Fox News reports.
Court records state that one suspect spent $3,000 on firearms, ammunitioin and other equipment to be used in the attacks, according to Fox News. Along with two rifles, the suspect also had thousands of rounds of ammo, and his family turned in the gear to authorities.
"In the days leading up to this weekend, our special agents, mission support personnel, and technical security teams worked around the clock to identify those responsible and hold them accountable," Secret Service Director Sean Curran said in a statement. "Equally important to our protective mission is ensuring accountability through the justice system. To that end, our formal comments regarding the specifics of this case will be made through court filings."
Some of those involved allegedly planned to travel to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12 or 13 to prepare for the attack.
One suspect allegedly told investigators the goal was to target "capitalist elites," "billionaires" or politicians who received donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
The investigation stretched across at least 12 FBI field offices.
