The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday announced the arrest of a Chicago man over a planned violent attack on the recent UFC event at the White House.

The Trump administration organized a series of mixed martial arts fights at the presidential residence as part of the broader celebrations of the 250th anniversary of America's founding.

Alexander Iniguez Mercado was detained in connection with the planned attack. He was charged with obstruction of justice, while seven others were charged in connection with the attack.

He allegedly deleted his Signal app after an exchange with an FBI agent in which the official inquired as to his plans related to the attack and whether he planned to go to Washington, D.C.

“Obstructing justice in a law enforcement investigation into a planned violent domestic attack is a profoundly serious offense,” U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros said in a statement.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.