WASHINGTON DC, UNITED STATES – JUNE 10: Security forces implement security precautions as preparations continue on the South Lawn of the White House preceding the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event, a component of the America 250 festivities, in Washington, D.C., United States on June 10, 2026. The occasion, slated for June 14, aligns with Flag Day and U.S. President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and has been characterized by the White House as ‘a singular celebration of the American fighting spirit.’ (Photo by Mehmet Eser/Anadolu via Getty Images)Anadolu via Getty Images
As aficionados of the UFC converge on Washington, D.C., for Freedom 250 on Sunday and associated events on Friday and Saturday, security measures will also be stringent, according to the lead Secret Service agent for D.C.
UFC Freedom 250 has been classified as a Special Event Assessment Review 1 occurrence, akin to the Super Bowl, Indianapolis 500, Kentucky Derby, and collegiate football contests, as per the Department of Homeland Security.
Access to the South Lawn of the White House, where the UFC Octagon has been assembled, is restricted to invited guests, accommodating approximately 4,000 individuals. A larger audience will view the proceedings from The Ellipse, situated outside the White House grounds.
WASHINGTON DC, UNITED STATES – JUNE 10: Security forces take security measures as preparations continue on the South Lawn of the White House ahead of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event, part of the America 250 celebrations, in Washington, D.C., United States on June 10, 2026. The event, scheduled for June 14, coincides with Flag Day and U.S. President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and has been described by the White House as ‘a once-in-a-generation celebration of the American fighting spirit.’ (Photo by Mehmet Eser/Anadolu via Getty Images)Anadolu via Getty Images
The UFC Fan Fest and Watch Party on the Ellipse is complimentary, however, tickets are requisite and attendees must undergo security checks similar to those at the TSA, according to Tara McLeese, special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Washington Field Office.
“Arrive early, refrain from bringing large bags, and expect TSA-level security screening,” McLeese advised ABC News.
Federal statutes prohibit the operation of drones within the airspace over the National Capital Region; therefore, McLeese’s recommendation to fans is to “leave their drones at home.”
“We will deploy law enforcement drones for surveillance purposes, but to keep it simple for the public, if they observe a drone, we request that they report it,” she stated.
The bout on the South Lawn and the viewing at The Ellipse initiate a season of events in the nation’s capital, many commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.
“The public safety apparatus in the Washington, D.C., vicinity is unparalleled. We host numerous significant events in D.C., and it is very much a collaborative and team endeavor here in D.C.,” McLeese commented. The Secret Service is collaborating with the U.S. Park Police for security arrangements.
United States Secret Service Special Agent in Charge of the Washington, DC Field Office Tara McLeese speaks with ABC News Chief Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas at D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Headquarters in Washington, DC.ABC News
For the initial time, the annual July 4th fireworks spectacle on the National Mall has been designated a National Special Security Event, with security protocols comparable to those for presidential inaugurations. This occasion is also something the Secret Service is “highly focused on,” McLeese added, noting that attendees of the celebration will also be subjected to TSA-comparable screening.
In prior years, “one could simply approach and set up a lawn chair and a blanket. That arrangement will be different this year,” she remarked. “You will not be able to simply arrive. There will be designated areas for security screening before proceeding onto the Mall.”
The Secret Service’s uniformed division and agents have been involved in three shooting incidents over the preceding two months: the first at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner when an assailant allegedly attempted to breach the screening checkpoint with a firearm; the second where an individual reportedly discharged a weapon at a uniformed officer near the Washington Monument; and subsequently, days later, an individual allegedly opened fire on uniformed officers during Memorial Day weekend.
“I can assure you that our personnel undergoes daily training, and we are intensely focused on ensuring our readiness to respond to any threat or attack we may encounter,” McLeese stated.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com