Federal authorities have arrested two additional men 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, the Justice Department announced Monday.
The new arrests bring the total number of defendants charged in the investigation to seven as federal authorities continue unraveling what officials describe as a multi-state conspiracy involving explosive-laden drones, sniper attacks and plans to sow widespread chaos.
William Lee Spartacus Falkner, of Washington state, was arrested June 19 and charged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington with conspiracy to commit murder.
Jordan W. Rincker, 28, of St. Joseph, Missouri, was arrested June 21 and faces the same charge in the Western District of Missouri.
According to court documents, investigators first learned of the alleged plot after the parents of an Ohio man, Tycen C. Proper, contacted police regarding their son’s weapons purchases and concerning online activity.
As investigators reviewed cellphone records and encrypted communications, they identified additional alleged co-conspirators, including Falkner and Rincker.
Federal prosecutors allege Falkner possessed experience in manufacturing and operating drones and discussed equipping them with explosives before flying them into the event.
According to the complaint, the alleged plan called for explosive drones to attack one side of the venue, forcing attendees toward another area where armed co-conspirators equipped with sniper rifles and other weapons would open fire.
Authorities also allege Falkner discussed a planned “work trip” before the UFC event. After several suspects were arrested, investigators say Falkner and others communicated that the trip had been canceled.
One defendant allegedly told investigators the conspiracy’s objective was to create enough chaos to help overthrow the U.S. government.
Rincker is accused of helping finance and supply the alleged operation.
According to prosecutors, Rincker accepted $1,200 in cash from co-defendant Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez to distribute among members of the group. Court documents allege Rincker sent $100 through CashApp to Bryan Omar Roa to help cover travel expenses associated with the operation.
Investigators also allege Rincker provided Alvarez with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun during a meeting in Nebraska.
In exchange, prosecutors say Alvarez gave Rincker equipment including a ballistic plate, night-vision goggles, a face shield, a 3D printer, printing materials and other items investigators believe were intended to support the conspiracy.
During searches of Rincker’s residence and storage unit, FBI agents 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, according to the Justice Department.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the arrests reflect continued efforts to identify everyone allegedly involved in the planned attack.
FBI Director Kash Patel credited 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 ongoing as the FBI and Justice Department continue working to identify any additional individuals who may have participated in or supported the alleged conspiracy. Conspiracy to commit murder carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
