WASHINGTON STRATEGY: Law enforcement disrupted a plot targeting President Donald Trump’s UFC event at the White House. 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,
said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche in a news release.
Arrests Made
Two individuals in Missouri and Washington state were arrested in connection with the intended assault. Authorities detained William Lee Spartacus Falkner from Belfair, Washington, and Jordan W. Rincker, 28, from Missouri, on charges of conspiracy to commit murder.
Investigation Details
Law enforcement learned of the threat on June 10. The Justice Department announced federal charges against several individuals from states such as Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, and California. The arrests increased the number of suspects facing charges to seven.
The investigation began when the mother of an Ohio suspect, Tycen Proper, 19, contacted police due to concerns about her son’s firearm purchases and online communications. Proper, part of a group aiming to trigger a revolution, allegedly planned to use drones laden with explosives at the White House event and shoot fleeing crowd members.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Proper faces charges of firearms offenses and attempted murder of a U.S. officer or employee. Proper’s attorney, Joe Patituce, acknowledged the seriousness of the charges and expressed a plan to move the case forward step-by-step. Court proceedings are pending.
Equipment and Strategies
Investigators uncovered high-powered firearms from suspects and reviewed encrypted messages among roughly 20 participants. They shared maps and aerial photographs of the site while discussing safe houses and escape routes.
Though the suspects considered using drones, court records indicate they were still acquiring such equipment when the plot was halted. Rincker allegedly distributed cash within the group and accepted items like weapons and a 3D printer, agreeing to produce drone parts.
Communications and Intentions
An affidavit describes Falkner talking to group members about his ability to operate drones and discussing tactics and explosives for the plot. After news surfaced about the disruption, Falkner messaged another conspirator saying, Work trip is canceled. My boss got picked up,
and included an article link detailing the arrests.