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Did Donald Trump say the arrested were planning big damage?

Question asked:

“President Donald Trump said that those arrested had been "looking to do big damage" and that "we had them under view for a long time, and we got them."”
True
Confidence: High Checked on September 28, 2026

Summary

President Donald Trump did say that the five men arrested near the RAF Fairford base had been “looking to do big damage” and that “we had them under view for a long time, and we got them.” This statement was reported in multiple news outlets on September 28 2026.

Recheck this fact Runs a fresh check with up-to-date sources

Sources 56 searched

whitehouse.gov
  • January 6: A Date Which Will Live in Infamy – The White House

    These Americans, many guilty of nothing more than peacefully protesting a disputed election, were finally freed from years of cruel imprisonment, restored to their families, and exonerated. In one bold stroke, Trump ended the nightmare of weaponized justice and delivered long-overdue vindication to those betrayed by the very leaders sworn to protect them.

dhs.gov
  • 100 Days of Fighting Fake News | Homeland Security

    Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. ... From Stories on Criminals to Statistics, DHS has been Holding the Media Accountable for Spreading Disinformation to the American people · WASHINGTON— During President Trump’s 100 days in office, the Department of Homeland Security published a non-exhaustive list of facts, to help set the record straight on numerous false and misleading stories that have spread around news coverage and social media.

factcheck.org
politico.com
theguardian.com
  • Trump has granted clemency to more than 1,800 people – and some have been arrested again | Donald Trump | The Guardian

    Before Trump started his second term, incoming vice-president JD Vance said of those who committed violence on 6 January 2021: “Obviously, you should not be pardoned.” · But then the president reportedly lost patience during the review process and said, “Fuck it: release ’em all,” according to Axios. He issued pardons or commutations for 1,500 people on his first day in office. At least 10 of the rioters have been arrested for other crimes since the US Capitol attack.

bbc.com
dw.com
  • Trump says RAF Fairford suspects known to US authorities

    US President Donald Trump says five men arrested near the UK airbase Fairford had been under US investigation. He praised cooperation with British authorities and said the suspects were planning to do "big damage."

outlookindia.com

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