Who is Alexander Mercado? Chicago Man Charged in White House UFC Plot
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 officials 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, though he is not charged with carrying out the planned assault itself.
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 is expected to appear in federal court in Chicago.
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.
This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published June 26, 2026 at 10:50 AM.