Key facts
- Two more individuals have been arrested in connection with a planned attack on President Donald Trump's UFC event at the White House.
- William Lee Spartacus Falkner of Washington state and Jordan W. Rincker of Missouri face conspiracy to commit murder charges.
- Law enforcement disrupted the plot days before the June 14 event.
- The group allegedly harbored fringe conspiracy theories and planned to use explosive-laden drones.
- Investigators recovered high-powered firearms and reviewed encrypted communications among participants.
Authorities have arrested two additional individuals in connection with a plot to attack President Donald Trump's UFC cage-fighting show at the White House on June 14. William Lee Spartacus Falkner of Belfair, Washington, was arrested Friday and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Jordan W. Rincker, 28, was arrested Sunday and charged with the same offense in Missouri.
Federal law enforcement officials disrupted the plan days before the event. According to court documents, the group members harbored fringe conspiracy theories and hoped the attack would destabilize the government. Investigators recovered high-powered firearms from several suspects and reviewed encrypted text messages between approximately 20 participants who shared detailed maps and aerial photographs of the area and discussed the need for a 'safe house' and escape routes.
The investigation began after the mother of an Ohio man, Tycen Proper, contacted police due to concerns about his firearms purchases and online communications. Proper told investigators he was part of a group aiming to trigger a revolution and target government members, planning to use explosive-laden drones and then shoot fleeing attendees. Prosecutors allege Rincker distributed cash and accepted items including weapons and a 3D printer to produce drone parts, though he claimed he only wanted the printer for crafts. Falkner reportedly communicated with group members about his ability to procure and operate drones and discuss tactics and explosives.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that law enforcement continues to disrupt and hold accountable those allegedly plotting harm on White House grounds. It remains unclear how close the attackers were to carrying out their plan. Some questioned individuals claimed they did not intend to carry out violence themselves, while others cited vehicle malfunctions or a desire to protest.