FBI disrupts expanded White House UFC attack plot; seven charged

Law enforcement officials learned about a possible threat to President Donald Trump's UFC event at the White House on June 10, four days before the mixed martial arts show on the South Lawn. The investigation began after the mother of an Ohio teenager contacted police concerned about her son's recent firearms purchases and online communications, according to an FBI affidavit.

That man, 19-year-old Tycen Proper, told investigators he was part of a group that wanted to trigger a revolution and target government members. The group planned to fly explosive-laden drones into the event and then shoot panicked crowd members as they fled, the affidavit stated. Proper is charged with firearms offenses and attempted murder of a U.S. officer or employee.

“Mr. Proper appreciates the serious nature of the charges currently pending against him and will address them appropriately in court at the right time.” Proper’s attorney, Joe Patituce, said Monday.

The Justice Department last week announced charges against five people from Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska and California. Two additional arrests over the weekend bring the total to seven. William Lee Spartacus Falkner of Belfair, Washington, was arrested Friday and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Jordan W. Rincker, 28, was arrested Sunday and charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the Western District of Missouri. A defense attorney appointed to represent Falkner did not immediately respond to an email request for comment. Court records do not reveal if Rincker has obtained an attorney. Neither man has entered a plea.

“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.” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a news release.

Investigators recovered high-powered firearms from several suspects and reviewed encrypted text messages between roughly 20 participants who shared detailed maps and aerial photographs of the area, the documents show. The group discussed the need for a “safe house” and escape routes after the intended attack. The four-day window between the initial tip and the event gave investigators limited time to verify the threat and make arrests.

Court records leave unclear how close the would-be attackers could have come to carrying out the plan. Several suspects or co-conspirators who were questioned by authorities said they did not intend to carry out violence themselves. They said they planned to observe others. One said he would have traveled to the UFC event as a protester but had to return home after his vehicle malfunctioned. The group spoke of using drones rigged with explosives. Charging documents suggest they were still looking to acquire such equipment when the plot was interrupted.

Prosecutors say Rincker distributed cash to some conspiracy members and accepted goods including weapons, a 3D printer, a computer and other items. He agreed to produce drone parts. Rincker told an investigator that he did not actually intend to help build the drones using the printer, according to an FBI affidavit. He said he just wanted the printer so he could make and sell crafts.

An FBI affidavit says Falkner communicated with other group members about his ability to procure and operate drones as well as what tactics and explosives to use in the plot. After news broke that the plan had been disrupted, Falkner texted another group member to say, “Work trip is canceled. My boss got picked up.” He sent a link to an article detailing the initial arrests, according to the affidavit.