Arrests Made in Planned Attack on UFC Event at White House

President Donald Trump witnessed Justin Gaethje’s victory over Ilia Toupruia in a lightweight championship bout at UFC Freedom 250. The event took place on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on June 15, 2026.

Recent developments revealed that law enforcement disrupted a planned attack targeting this event. Authorities have arrested individuals in Missouri and Washington state related to the conspiracy. Just before the June 14 event, law enforcement uncovered the plot and prevented its execution.

William Lee Spartacus Falkner of Belfair, Washington was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. He was apprehended on Friday, and charges were filed in the Western District of Washington. Similarly, Jordan W. Rincker from the Western District of Missouri faces the same conspiracy charge. Neither has yet had the chance to enter a plea, and a defense attorney representing Falkner did not respond to requests for comment. There is no information on whether Rincker has legal representation.

A news release from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized law enforcement’s role in averting harm on White House grounds. Officials identified the threat on June 10, leading to the arrests of seven individuals overall. Those arrested were part of a group with fringe conspiracy theories, aiming to destabilize the government.

The investigation began when an Ohio woman’s concern about her son’s firearm purchases led her to contact authorities.

19-year-old Tycen Proper, one of the suspects, revealed plans including explosive-laden drones targeting government members. Proper faces numerous charges, including attempted murder of a government official. Proper’s attorney, Joe Patituce, has acknowledged the seriousness of these charges and intends to address them step by step.

Authorities recovered firearms from several suspects and examined encrypted communications between roughly 20 co-conspirators. They discussed operational details and escape strategies but had not secured all necessary equipment to carry out the plan.

While some confessed no direct intent to enact violence, they were interested in observing the situation. One participant planned to attend the event as a protestor but faced vehicle issues. The group had aspirations to utilize explosive drones, but evidence shows they were still acquiring materials when authorities intervened.

Charges indicate Rincker distributed money among group members and collected goods like weapons and electronics, including a 3D printer. Though he expressed a casual interest in selling craft items rather than producing drone components.

Falkner communicated his capability to operate drones and suggested tactics via encrypted messages. Upon learning of the disrupted plot, he informed another member about canceled plans and shared the arrest news link.