Planned Attack at UFC Event Disrupted, Seven Arrested

Washington: On June 15, 2026, President Donald Trump celebrated Justin Gaethje’s victory against Ilia Toupruia in a UFC championship bout held on the South Lawn of the White House. However, law enforcement intervened earlier that month when a planned attack targeting the event was discovered.

Two individuals, William Lee Spartacus Falkner from Washington and Jordan W. Rincker from Missouri, were arrested. Both face charges of conspiracy to commit murder. Falkner was detained on Friday and charged in Washington, while Rincker’s arrest took place on Sunday in Missouri. Neither has entered a plea, and Falkner’s legal representative hasn’t responded to inquiries.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche commented, “Law enforcement continues to work diligently to prevent and hold accountable those allegedly plotting harm on the White House Grounds.” The Justice Department revealed federal charges against five other individuals from Ohio, Nebraska, Missouri, and California. This brings the total number of people facing federal charges to seven.

The investigation started after the mother of Ohio resident Tycen Proper informed authorities about her son’s firearm purchases and online activities. Proper, 19, confessed to aiming for a revolution alongside a group planning an attack at the White House event. They intended to use drones packed with explosives to create chaos, followed by shooting attendees as they evacuated.

Proper faces serious charges, including attempted murder of a U.S. officer or employee. His attorney, Joe Patituce, stated Proper recognizes the gravity of the charges and will address them in court.

The investigation uncovered weapons from several suspects, along with encrypted messages among around 20 conspirators discussing plans and escape routes. Yet, court documents don’t clarify how close the attackers were to executing the scheme if not for intervention.

Several of those questioned by authorities denied intending direct involvement in violence. Some planned to observe, while one claimed he’d intended to protest but faced car trouble.

Though the plan involved drones with explosives, charging documents indicate efforts to procure such equipment were still underway when the plot was disrupted. Prosecutors allege Rincker distributed money to conspirators and accepted goods including weapons and technology, intending to produce drone parts.

Rincker reportedly told an investigator that he didn’t truly plan to assist in drone production but wanted the 3D printer for crafts. Falkner was noted to communicate about drone operation and tactics, with the FBI affidavit mentioning a text where he said, “Work trip is canceled. My boss got picked up,” upon learning of the arrests.