Good morning.
Federal investigators have made another arrest in the alleged plot to attack a UFC event at the White House, Israeli authorities have charged an American citizen with spying for Iran, and Sen. Ruben Gallego is now facing a Justice Department investigation into his campaign spending just days after clearing a Senate ethics inquiry.
Eighth Suspect Arrested in Alleged White House UFC Attack Plot
Federal authorities have arrested another suspect as the investigation into an alleged terrorist plot targeting last month’s UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House continues to grow.
The Justice Department announced that Alexander Iniguez Mercado, a 20-year-old from Chicago, has been charged with obstruction of justice after allegedly deleting encrypted Signal messages tied to the investigation. Prosecutors say Mercado served as both a member and administrator of Signal groups where participants discussed plans for a violent attack against the June 14 event, which drew President Donald Trump, senior administration officials, athletes, and thousands of spectators.
According to the indictment, an FBI agent contacted Mercado by phone the day before the event and asked whether he intended to travel to Washington to participate in the attack. Prosecutors allege Mercado denied any involvement and, shortly afterward, uninstalled Signal from his phone, destroying communications investigators were attempting to preserve.
Mercado becomes the eighth person charged in connection with the alleged conspiracy. Earlier defendants have been accused of planning a coordinated assault involving explosive-laden drones and sniper teams targeting both government officials and civilians attending the event.
If convicted, Mercado faces up to 20 years in prison. Federal officials emphasized that the broader investigation remains active as they continue examining evidence recovered from suspects across multiple states.
American Accused of Spying for Iran in Israel
Israeli authorities have filed espionage charges against an American citizen accused of gathering intelligence on behalf of Iran.
The suspect, an American citizen in his 20s whose identity remains under court seal, was arrested earlier this month during a joint operation by Israel Police and the Shin Bet security service.
Investigators allege he spent months communicating with Iranian intelligence handlers and accepted payments in exchange for photographing sensitive locations throughout Israel.
Officials say the investigation was launched after international intelligence partners flagged suspicious activity. The case proceeded under a judicial gag order while investigators gathered evidence and repeatedly extended the suspect’s detention.
Israeli security officials say the arrest reflects a broader pattern that has accelerated recently, with Iranian operatives increasingly attempting to recruit individuals through encrypted messaging apps and social media. Authorities allege recruits are often initially asked to perform seemingly harmless tasks before being directed to collect more sensitive intelligence involving military sites or government officials.
An indictment is expected in the coming days. If convicted, the suspect could face significant prison time.
Justice Department Opens Campaign Finance Probe Into Sen. Ruben Gallego
Sen. Ruben Gallego is facing a new federal investigation into his campaign finances after reports emerged that the Justice Department is examining whether campaign funds were improperly used for personal expenses.
According to multiple reports, federal prosecutors are reviewing campaign-funded travel, including trips to destinations such as Miami, Puerto Rico, Nantucket, Disneyland, Disney World, and the Caribbean. Investigators are also examining expenses tied to fundraising events, luxury travel, and childcare reimbursements.
The probe surfaced just hours after the Senate Ethics Committee closed its own investigation into allegations involving campaign finance and sexual misconduct, concluding it found no evidence that Gallego violated Senate rules. That determination, however, does not prevent the Justice Department from pursuing a separate criminal inquiry.
Among the transactions in question is that of the “Swallego Victory Fund,” a joint fundraising committee with former Rep. Eric Swalwell, which reportedly spent more than $37,000 on Super Bowl tickets and related expenses during a fundraising event in Arizona.
The Arizona Democrat has denied any wrongdoing and accused the Trump administration of politically targeting him following news of the investigation. The Justice Department has not publicly commented on the matter, and no criminal charges have been filed as the investigation continues.
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