The FBI’s fast-moving investigation into a thwarted plot to launch a deadly assault on the White House grounds has led to the arrest of two additional suspects. Federal agents arrested William Lee Spartacus Falkner in Washington state on Friday, June 19, and Jordan W. Rincker in Missouri on Sunday, June 21. Both men face federal charges of conspiracy to commit murder, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
According to criminal complaints filed in federal court, the suspects were part of a geographically wide-ranging conspiracy targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event, which was scheduled to take place at the White House on June 14. Investigators say the group’s ultimate objective, according to statements made by one of the detained co-conspirators, was to trigger enough widespread chaos to cause the overthrow of the United States government.
The investigation originally opened after the parents of an Ohio co-conspirator, Tycen C. Proper, grew alarmed by their son’s weapons purchases and online behavior and alerted local police. As the FBI combed through digital records, cell phone data, and encrypted messages, they uncovered a network of co-conspirators that led straight to Falkner. Prosecutors state that Falkner possesses specialized experience in manufacturing and piloting drones. In intercepted communications, Falkner reportedly discussed how to rig drones with explosives and fly them to maximize destruction.
The group’s tactical plan was coordinated and precise. The filings show that the conspirators intended to launch the explosive drones at one side of the White House event. This initial blast was meant to panic the crowd and force attendees to flee out the opposite exit, directly into the crosshairs of other co-conspirators waiting with sniper rifles and other firearms. Falkner had been actively coordinating a “work trip” to the capital for the event, but messages show he told others the trip was cancelled shortly after his associates began falling into police custody.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the rapid response of federal teams, stating, “Law enforcement continues to do what it does — move to disrupt and hold accountable those allegedly plotting to do harm on the White House Grounds on June 14. Each and every day, the FBI and their federal, state and local law enforcement partners, along with U.S. Attorneys offices across the country, safeguard American communities and our nation’s security.”
Meanwhile, the second newly arrested suspect, 28-year-old Jordan W. Rincker of St. Joseph, Missouri, allegedly managed logistics and hardware for the group. Court documents state that Rincker accepted $1,200 in cash from co-conspirator Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez of Omaha, Nebraska, to distribute funds to other members. Rincker then used CashApp to send $100 to Bryan Omar Roa in California to cover fuel costs so Roa could drive to Washington, D.C., to pick up the plot’s drone operator. Both Alvarez and Roa were arrested and charged last week.
The scale of the multi-state operation was highlighted by FBI Director Kash Patel, who said, “These arrests are the latest result of the FBI, teaming up with our great partners, to identify and apprehend those who allegedly wanted to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event — a threat this FBI and our partners prevented. In just over a week we have executed a multi-state operation that could not have been possible without our Justice Department prosecutors, the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, Secret Service, and our state and local law enforcement partners to once again stop a potentially deadly plot before alleged criminals could act. This collective resolve demonstrates to anyone who threatens the lives of American citizens — this FBI and our partners will find you no matter where you hide, and you will face justice.”
Further inspection of Rincker’s activities showed close cooperation with Alvarez. During an in-person meeting in Omaha, Rincker traded a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and an ammunition-filled bandolier to Alvarez. In exchange, Alvarez provided Rincker with a 3D printer, printing filament, a ballistic plate, a face shield, night vision goggles, binoculars, a mini-computer, and a wire checker. Authorities allege the 3D printer was specifically supplied so Rincker could manufacture custom drone components for the attack.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg noted the broader implications of the plot, stating, “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. NSD will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that all individuals who sought to carry out this potential attack are identified and brought to justice.”
When federal agents executed search warrants at Rincker’s home and storage unit in Missouri, they discovered a large cache of tactical gear and weapons. The inventory included an FN Reflex 9mm pistol, an FMK AR1 eXtreme multi-caliber rifle, and a Remington 597 .22 LR caliber rifle. Agents also recovered a completely 3D-printed Glock-style pistol, complete with a 3D-printed magazine and 3D-printed ammunition, along with various loose gun parts and an Ender-brand 3D printer.
Alongside the firearms, agents seized a gas mask, a thermal imaging scope, a Strike Face Level III ballistic plate, a fully loaded plate carrier, and a specialized Muzi Works off-grid mesh network device. This communication system utilizes long-range, low-power radio frequencies to allow users to send encrypted text messages and share geographic locations entirely independent of cellular networks or the internet.
Local prosecutors highlighted the round-the-clock efforts required to neutralize the threat. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd for the Western District of Washington stated, “I commend the work of the FBI for their effective investigative work on what was clearly a plot to murder members of the federal government at the highest levels. This was a geographically wide-ranging conspiracy, and the investigation has required round-the-clock coordination to identify and arrest those responsible. Here in the Pacific Northwest, the FBI and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office moved swiftly and carefully to ensure any threat to the public was neutralized.”
Both defendants made their first federal court appearances today at 2:00 p.m. in their respective regions—Falkner in Tacoma, Washington, and Rincker in Kansas City, Missouri. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in their respective districts alongside the Department of Justice’s National Security Division as the FBI continues its investigation into the remaining links of the conspiracy.
U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price for the Western District of Missouri reiterated the government’s stance on the investigation, stating, “This case demonstrates the effectiveness of our law enforcement partners and U.S. Attorneys working together to prevent violence before it can take place. We will continue taking decisive action against those who seek to endanger national security and threaten the safety of Americans. By staying proactive, we will disrupt their operations, break apart their networks, and hold those responsible accountable under the law.”
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