...
By Gabe Whisnant and Joshua Rhett Miller
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A Chicago man has been arrested and charged in connection with a foiled plot to carry out a violent attack targeting a high-profile Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event held at the White House earlier this month, federal prosecutors said Friday.
Alexander Iniguez Mercado, 20, is accused of obstructing a federal investigation into the alleged attack plan, which authorities say was disrupted days before the June 14 event. Prosecutors allege Mercado played a role in concealing evidence tied to the plot, although he is not charged with carrying out the planned assault itself.
...
Read More on U.S.
According to the Department of Justice, Mercado allegedly deleted the encrypted messaging app Signal from his phone after being contacted by an FBI agent, effectively erasing communications related to the group suspected of planning the attack. Investigators say the deletion occurred one day before the UFC event, which was attended by thousands, including President Donald Trump and other government officials.
The obstruction charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. Mercado, the eighth suspect charged in connection to the purported plot, is expected to appear in federal court in Chicago later Friday. It's unclear if he's hired an attorney.
Authorities say the case is part of a broader investigation that has already led to multiple arrests across several states, including Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska and California. Prosecutors allege the group was plotting a mass-casualty attack targeting government officials and attendees at the event, which was staged on the White House South Lawn as part of celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Court documents and statements from law enforcement indicate the alleged plan involved using drones and firearms to target individuals at the event, potentially causing widespread casualties. The FBI said it became aware of the threat just days before the fights took place and moved quickly with state and local partners to disrupt the plot and make arrests.
...
Officials have emphasized that the arrests underscore the seriousness of the threat and the speed with which investigators responded.
"Obstructing justice in a law enforcement investigation into a planned violent domestic attack is a profoundly serious offense," a federal prosecutor said, noting the potential risk to public safety.
Mercado is described in charging documents as being connected to group communications used to coordinate aspects of the planned attack. Investigators allege he acted to hinder the probe after law enforcement made initial contact, raising concerns about the destruction of potentially critical evidence.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to identify individuals involved in the alleged plot, which officials say was halted before it could be carried out.
A LinkedIn profile matching Mercado's name identified him as a photo booth attendant at Somos Arte, a creative services studio in Chicago. A message seeking additional comment was not immediately returned.
Mercado also appeared to have been featured in a podcast in 2024 that detailed his "struggles of homelessness, the loss of a sibling and the challenges of growing up in a less-than-ideal environment," among other obstacles.
This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines