Arrests Made in Planned Attack on White House UFC Event

On Monday, June 15, 2026, President Donald Trump attended the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House’s South Lawn, celebrating Justin Gaethje’s victory over Ilia Toupruia in the lightweight championship bout. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, law enforcement officials were dealing with a serious threat related to this event.

Authorities have arrested two individuals in Missouri and Washington state in connection with a proposed assault aimed at President Trump’s UFC show at the White House. These arrests occurred shortly before the event, showcasing the diligence of law enforcement in preventing potential harm. William Lee Spartacus Falkner from Belfair, Washington, faced conspiracy to commit murder charges following his arrest on Friday. Jordan W. Rincker, 28, was arrested in Missouri under similar charges.

An investigation uncovered plans to execute assaults using drones filled with explosives at the White House event. This revelation led to federal charges against seven individuals across various states, including Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, and California. A fringe conspiracy group is believed to have planned the attack with aspirations of government disruption. The investigation initiated after an Ohio man’s mother raised concerns about her son’s suspicious firearms purchases and online activities.

Tycen Proper, 19, one Ohio resident involved, is charged with various offenses, including attempted murder against a government official. Proper expressed intentions of sparking a revolution, targeting government members, and unleashing chaos at the event using drones. His lawyer stated that Proper acknowledges the severity of the charges and intends to address them systematically in court.

Authorities seized multiple high-powered weapons from suspects and examined encrypted communications among approximately 20 participants. These messages included details about safe houses, aerial maps, and potential escape routes. Despite the elaborate planning, court documents suggest the group struggled to acquire the necessary equipment prior to the plan’s disruption.

Rincker reportedly distributed finances and accepted items like weapons, a 3D printer, and computers, allegedly to produce drone parts. However, he later claimed no intention to build drones, merely wishing to use the printer for crafting. Falkner’s communications hinted at strategies involving drones and explosives. Upon learning the plan faced obstruction, Falkner informed another group member about canceled operations via text message.