President Donald Trump celebrated Justin Gaethje’s victory over Ilia Toupruia in the lightweight championship bout at UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on June 15, 2026. However, behind the scenes, a serious security threat was unfolding.
Authorities have arrested two additional individuals in Missouri and Washington state connected to an alleged plot targeting the UFC event at the White House. Law enforcement disrupted the plan before the June 14 event, as revealed by court documents.
William Lee Spartacus Falkner from Belfair, Washington, faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder. Similarly, Jordan W. Rincker, aged 28, was arrested in the Western District of Missouri on the same charges. While Falkner’s appointed defense attorney has not commented, there is no record of an attorney for Rincker. Neither has entered a plea.
“Law enforcement continues to do what it does, moving to disrupt and hold accountable those allegedly plotting to do harm on the White House Grounds on June 14,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche declared.
The Justice Department recently announced federal charges against five people from states including Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, and California, increasing the total charged individuals to seven. The group allegedly harbored fringe conspiracy theories, aiming to destabilize the government.
The investigation began when an Ohio mother reported concerns about her son’s firearms purchases and online communications. The son, 19-year-old Tycen Proper, confessed to being part of a group planning to incite a revolution. They intended to fly explosive-laden drones into the event and shoot panicked attendees as they fled, according to an FBI affidavit.
Proper faces charges related to firearms offenses and attempted murder of a U.S. officer. Joe Patituce, Proper’s attorney, acknowledged the severity of the charges and stated their intention to address them in court.
Investigators found high-powered firearms and reviewed encrypted communications among roughly 20 participants. These included detailed maps, aerial photographs, and discussions about a “safe house” and escape routes. It’s uncertain how close the attackers came to executing their plan before interception.
Some questioned individuals claimed they did not plan to execute violence themselves, but instead planned to observe others. One intended to protest but returned home due to vehicle issues. While there was talk of drones rigged with explosives, court documents suggest they were still acquiring the necessary equipment.
Prosecutors highlighted Rincker’s role in distributing cash to conspiracy members and receiving goods like weapons, a 3D printer, and a computer. Although Rincker claimed he did not intend to build drones with the printer, investigators report he wanted it for crafting and selling goods.
Falkner’s communications with other group members involved discussions on procuring drones and tactics for the plot. After the disruption of the plan, he texted another member, “Work trip is canceled. My boss got picked up,” attaching a link to an article about the arrests.