2 More Arrested in Plot to Attack Trump's White House UFC
🤖 AI Generated ImageTwo more people have been arrested in connection with what authorities say was a planned attack targeting President Donald Trump's UFC cage-fighting show at the White House earlier this month, bringing the total number of defendants to seven.
Federal law enforcement officials disrupted the plan days before the June 14 White House event, according to court documents unsealed Monday.
William Lee Spartacus Falkner of Belfair, Washington, was arrested Friday and charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the Western District of Washington. Jordan W. Rincker, 28, was arrested Sunday in Missouri on the same charge, according to the Washington Examiner.
Both men are being charged with conspiracy to commit murder, a charge that carries the possibility of life in prison.
Plot involved drones and mass casualties
Law enforcement officials learned about the possible threat on June 10, four days before the mixed martial arts extravaganza on the White House's South Lawn. Five people from states including Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska and California were initially arrested on federal charges, the Justice Department said.
Officials say the group members harbored fringe conspiracy theories and hoped the attack would destabilize the government.
The investigation began after the mother of an Ohio man contacted police because she was concerned about her son's recent firearms purchases and online communications, according to an FBI affidavit.
The man, 19-year-old Tycen Proper, told investigators he was part of a group that wanted to trigger a revolution and target members of the government, and that they planned to fly explosive-laden drones into the event and then shoot panicked crowd members as they fled. Proper is charged with firearms offenses and attempted murder of an officer or employee of the United States.
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What the new suspects allegedly did
According to Fox News, newly unsealed court records identify Rincker as allegedly helping fund and facilitate the operation, while Falkner allegedly discussed procuring and operating drones intended for use in the attack.
Prosecutors say Rincker distributed cash to some conspiracy members, and accepted goods including weapons, a 3D printer, a computer and other items and agreed to produce drone parts. Rincker told an investigator he didn't actually intend to help build the drones and just wanted the printer to make and sell crafts.
An FBI affidavit says Falkner communicated with other group members about his ability to procure and operate drones as well as what tactics and explosives to use. After news broke that the plan had been disrupted, Falkner texted another group member to say, "Work trip is canceled. My boss got picked up," and sent a link to an article detailing the initial arrests, according to the Kitsap Sun.
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"Move to disrupt and hold accountable"
"Law enforcement continues to do what it does — move to disrupt and hold accountable those allegedly plotting to do harm on the White House Grounds on June 14," Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a news release.
Investigators recovered high-powered firearms from several suspects and reviewed encrypted text messages between roughly 20 participants who shared detailed maps and aerial photographs of the area and discussed the need for a "safe house" and escape routes.
But it's unclear from court records how close the would-be attackers could have come to carrying out the plan. Several suspects questioned said they did not intend to carry out violence themselves but planned to observe others. One said he would have traveled as a protester but his vehicle malfunctioned. Though participants spoke of using drones rigged with explosives, charging documents suggest they were still looking to acquire such equipment when interrupted.
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Defense response
A defense attorney appointed to represent Falkner did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and court records do not reveal if Rincker has obtained an attorney. Neither man has entered a plea.
"Mr. Proper appreciates the serious nature of the charges currently pending against him and will address them appropriately in court at the right time," Proper's attorney, Joe Patituce, said Monday. "For now, we are going to move the case forward one step at a time."
The case is expected to be prosecuted outside Washington D.C., where most alleged activity occurred.
Key Takeaways
- Two more arrested: William Lee Spartacus Falkner (WA) and Jordan W. Rincker (MO) charged with conspiracy to commit murder
- Total defendants now seven in alleged plot to attack Trump's June 14 White House UFC event
- Plot allegedly involved explosive-laden drones and shooting fleeing crowd members
- FBI learned of threat June 10, four days before event, after Ohio mother's tip
- Encrypted messages show 20 participants sharing maps and discussing safe houses
- Suspects still seeking equipment when plot was disrupted, according to documents
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Politics & World News Editor
James Mitchell has covered US and UK politics for over a decade, with a focus on elections, foreign policy, and Capitol Hill. He breaks down complex political stories into clear, fast analysis.
