Authorities have arrested two additional individuals in connection with an alleged plot to attack a UFC event hosted by President Donald Trump at the White House on June 14. William Lee Spartacus Falkner of Belfair, Washington, and Jordan W. Rincker, 28, of Missouri, were arrested Friday and Sunday, respectively.
Falkner faces a charge of conspiracy to commit murder in the Western District of Washington. Rincker was charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the Western District of Missouri. Neither has yet entered a plea, and court records do not indicate if attorneys have been retained for Rincker. A defense attorney for Falkner did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that law enforcement continues to disrupt and hold accountable those allegedly plotting harm on White House grounds. Officials became aware of the potential threat on June 10, four days before the scheduled event on the South Lawn.
Last week, the Justice Department announced federal charges against five other individuals from states including Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, and California. The total number of people now facing federal charges in the case is seven.
According to court documents, the group members held fringe conspiracy theories and intended for the attack to destabilize the government. The investigation originated when the mother of an Ohio man contacted police, concerned about his recent firearms purchases and online communications.
That man, 19-year-old Tycen Proper, told investigators he was part of a group aiming to trigger a revolution and target government members. He stated the plan involved using explosive-laden drones to attack the event and then shooting fleeing attendees. Proper is charged with firearms offenses and attempted murder of a U.S. officer or employee. His attorney, Joe Patituce, acknowledged the seriousness of the charges and stated they will be addressed in court.
Investigators recovered high-powered firearms from several suspects and reviewed encrypted text messages exchanged among approximately 20 participants. These messages reportedly included detailed maps, aerial photographs of the White House, and discussions about a safe house and escape routes. However, court records do not clarify how close the group came to executing the plan.
Some questioned individuals indicated they did not intend to carry out violence themselves but planned only to observe. One claimed he intended to attend as a protester but could not due to vehicle issues. While drone explosives were discussed, charging documents suggest the group was still in the process of acquiring such equipment when the plot was interrupted.
Court documents also detail Rincker's alleged role in distributing cash to some members and accepting items, including weapons and a 3D printer, to produce drone parts. Rincker reportedly told investigators he wanted the printer for crafting and selling items, not to build drones.
An FBI affidavit states Falkner communicated with group members about his ability to procure and operate drones and discussed tactics and explosives. Following news of the disruption, Falkner reportedly texted another member, "Work trip is canceled. My boss got picked up," and shared a link to an article about the initial arrests.