The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced on 22/6 that it had identified two additional suspects involved in a plot to attack UFC Freedom 250, a martial arts event held at the White House on President Donald Trump's birthday one week prior.
The first suspect, Jordan W. Rincker, was arrested in Washington state, accused of providing financial and logistical support for the plan. The second, William Lee Spartacus Falkner, was apprehended in Missouri on charges of discussing the purchase and operation of drones intended for use in the attack.
This announcement brings the total number of suspects arrested and charged to 7.
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Suspect Jordan W. Rincker. *Platte County Sheriff's Office*. |
The suspect group allegedly planned to use explosive-laden drones to cause chaos and trigger an evacuation at UFC Freedom 250, subsequently directing evacuees towards waiting gunmen. FBI officials stated that a "second wave of attacks" was reportedly aimed at the White House gate.
Court records in Washington state indicate Falkner seemingly joined a social media group dedicated to drone operation since 7/6. Prosecutors reported Falkner previously discussed mobilizing multiple drones through his network, believing "the more drones, the better."
Group members exchanged information regarding drone payload capacity, anti-jamming measures, fiber optic control systems, and the number of drones required for the assault.
Investigators are examining the possibility that some members discussed another attack targeting a World Cup match scheduled for 3/7 in Kansas City, Missouri. An FBI agent believes messages from the alleged ringleader, Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, referenced this event and urged co-conspirators to prepare for travel to Missouri around the U.S. Independence Day on 4/7.
According to prosecutors, the suspects initially connected around March through a TikTok community named "Vanguard of the Old," where they shared training videos and tactical content before moving to encrypted chats.
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President Trump and First Lady Melania, with UFC CEO Dana White (left) at the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House on 14/6. *AFP*. |
The group agreed to commit murder on the White House grounds and surrounding areas during the UFC Freedom 250 event. Federal investigations suggest the plot spanned from around March until 21/6, with the group preparing firearms, ammunition, bulletproof gear, and other military equipment.
The plot was thwarted after the mother of Proper, a 19-year-old suspect in Ohio, reported it to the FBI. Investigators seized Proper's phone, which led to the identification of other group members.
FBI Deputy Director Chris Raia stated that the first five suspects arrested were deemed the most dangerous. Subsequent arrests would likely involve individuals who played smaller roles. "We conducted a series of arrests based on legal grounds before UFC Freedom 250 took place and ensured the event's safety," Raia said. "The FBI is still monitoring others to ensure no one travels to Washington."
*Huyen Le (Fox News, NBC News)*
