Additional Coverage:
UFC President Dana White recently disclosed that preparations for UFC Freedom 250, scheduled for June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House, faced an unexpected interruption due to a nearby shooting incident.
The iconic South Lawn has been dramatically transformed for the event, with vivid photos capturing the intense construction activity. However, on Saturday, the build was temporarily paused after a 21-year-old man, Nasire Best, opened fire at a U.S.
Secret Service checkpoint close to the Oval Office. Law enforcement officers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect, who later died at a hospital.
Another bystander was also injured during the exchange.
At the time, President Donald Trump was inside the White House but was reportedly unharmed and unaffected, according to Secret Service officials. White revealed that his crew had to take shelter and halt construction for approximately three hours as the security situation unfolded.
Speaking on ‘The Pat McAfee Show,’ White remarked, “We’ve run into some problems out there. It’s rained almost nonstop for eight days since we started building.
Then this shooting happened, and they locked my team down for hours. Now it’s all about pushing through and getting everything ready.”
Despite these setbacks, the UFC is pressing ahead with its plans for Freedom 250, a high-profile seven-fight card that will coincide with President Trump’s 80th birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary. The event’s main attraction features Ilia Topuria facing Justin Gaethje, with Alex Pereira challenging for a heavyweight title in the co-main event after moving up a weight class.
When asked about concerns heading into such a landmark event, White expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities. “We don’t worry too much.
We’ve built a remarkable operation. Craig Borsari, my meticulous head of production, is stationed in D.C. until the event is over.
We’re currently assembling the ‘claw’ lighting grid, which will ensure the broadcast is seamless – no visible lights or microphones, just the White House or the Washington Monument as a stunning backdrop.”
The “claw” structure, a massive framework measuring approximately 90 feet tall and covering a 120-by-120-foot area, was previously tested in Lititz, Pennsylvania, before being transported to the South Lawn. Images reveal the imposing installation looming over the White House grounds, setting the stage for a memorable UFC spectacle in the nation’s capital.