2 More Charged in Alleged UFC Attack Plot

Federal authorities on Monday announced the arrest of two more suspects in an alleged plot to attack the June 14 UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, bringing the total number of defendants charged in the case to at least seven.

The latest arrests involve William Lee Spartacus Falkner of Washington state and Jordan W. Rincker of St. Joseph, Missouri. Both men were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit murder.

Prosecutors allege the group planned to attack the UFC event, which was scheduled to take place on White House grounds. According to court documents, the alleged plan called for explosive-laden drones to attack one side of the event, creating panic and forcing attendees toward another area where gunmen armed with sniper rifles and other weapons would be positioned.

Federal authorities allege Falkner played a key role in the drone component of the plot. Investigators say communications among the conspirators showed Falkner had experience building and operating drones and discussed loading them with explosives and configuring them for maximum destructive effect.

Court documents also indicate Falkner and another individual discussed a planned “work trip” before the UFC event. After earlier arrests in the case, investigators say the conspirators communicated that the trip had been canceled.

The criminal complaint against Rincker alleges he accepted $1,200 from co-conspirator Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez of Nebraska to distribute funds among participants in the plot. Prosecutors allege Rincker sent $100 through Cash App to Bryan Omar Roa of California to help pay for a cross-country drive to Washington, D.C.

Authorities also allege Rincker provided Alvarez with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and received equipment that included a 3D printer, night-vision gear, a ballistic plate and other items. Investigators say Alvarez wanted Rincker to use the 3D printer to manufacture drones.

During searches of Rincker’s home and storage unit, FBI agents reportedly recovered firearms, a gas mask, thermal imaging equipment, ballistic protection gear, night-vision goggles, electronic devices, a 3D printer, and numerous 3D-printed firearm components.

According to the Department of Justice, investigators first learned of the alleged plot after the parents of Ohio resident Tycen C. Proper contacted authorities about their son’s weapons purchases and online activities. As investigators reviewed communications and electronic evidence, they identified a network of alleged co-conspirators spread across multiple states.

“These latest arrests reflect the rapid progress of our investigation into the alleged plot targeting the UFC event at the White House—an apparent attempt to destabilize the U.S. government,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg in a statement.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd for the Western District of Washington said, “This was a geographically wide-ranging conspiracy, and the investigation has required round-the-clock coordination to identify and arrest those responsible.”

The FBI continues to investigate the case.