Federal authorities have announced the arrest of two more individuals, William Lee Spartacus Falkner and Jordan W. Rincker, in connection with an alleged plot to attack government officials during the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) Freedom 250 event held at the White House on June 14. These arrests bring the total number of defendants charged in the ongoing investigation to seven, as federal agencies continue to unravel what officials describe as a multi-state conspiracy involving explosive-laden drones, sniper attacks, and plans to incite widespread unrest.
"The Department of Justice said they took William Lee Spartacus Falkner, of Washington state, and Jordan W. Rincker, of Missouri, into custody after the two were accused of helping hatch the plot that sought to use explosive drones and sniper ambushes at the historic cagefight." — The Washington Times
William Lee Spartacus Falkner, from Washington state, was taken into custody on June 19. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. Jordan W. Rincker, 28, of St. Joseph, Missouri, was arrested on June 21 and is charged with the same offense in the Western District of Missouri. Both charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The investigation reportedly began after the parents of Tycen C. Proper, an Ohio resident, contacted law enforcement regarding their son's concerning online activities and weapons purchases. This initial tip led investigators to review cellphone records and encrypted communications, which subsequently revealed additional alleged co-conspirators, including Falkner and Rincker.
According to court documents, federal prosecutors allege that Falkner possessed expertise in manufacturing and operating drones. He reportedly discussed equipping these drones with explosives, with the intent of deploying them against one side of the UFC event venue. The alleged plan aimed to force attendees towards another area where armed co-conspirators, equipped with sniper rifles and other weapons, would open fire. Authorities also state that Falkner discussed a planned "work trip" prior to the UFC event. Following the initial arrests of several suspects, investigators noted communications between Falkner and others indicating that this trip had been canceled. One defendant reportedly told investigators that the overarching objective of the conspiracy was to create sufficient chaos to aid in the overthrow of the U.S. government.
Rincker is accused of playing a role in financing and supplying the alleged operation. Prosecutors allege that Rincker accepted $1,200 in cash from co-defendant Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, which was intended for distribution among members of the group. Court documents further detail that Rincker allegedly sent $100 via CashApp to Bryan Omar Roa to help cover travel expenses related to the operation. Investigators also claim that Rincker provided Alvarez with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun during a meeting in Nebraska. In exchange, prosecutors state that Alvarez gave Rincker various equipment, including a ballistic plate, night-vision goggles, a face shield, a 3D printer, printing materials, and other items that investigators believe were intended to support the conspiracy.
During searches conducted at Rincker’s residence and storage unit, FBI agents reportedly recovered multiple firearms, ammunition, a gas mask, ballistic armor, thermal imaging equipment, electronic devices, a 3D printer, numerous 3D-printed firearm components, a mini-computer, and communications equipment capable of operating without cellular or internet service, as detailed by the Justice Department.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche commented on the arrests, stating they reflect continued efforts to identify everyone allegedly involved in the planned attack. FBI Director Kash Patel credited the coordination among federal, state, and local agencies for preventing what authorities described as a potentially deadly plot before it could be carried out. The investigation remains active, with the FBI and Justice Department continuing their efforts to identify any additional individuals who may have participated in or supported the alleged conspiracy.
The arrests underscore the persistent vigilance required by law enforcement to thwart plots against government officials and institutions. The scope and alleged intent of the conspiracy, involving advanced weaponry and a stated goal of government overthrow, highlight the serious nature of the threats being investigated by federal agencies.
