UFC Event at the White House Targeted in Foiled Attack Plan

President Donald Trump celebrated Justin Gaethje’s win in a UFC lightweight championship fight against Ilia Toupruia on the South Lawn of the White House on June 15, 2026. The event was disrupted when authorities arrested individuals involved in a plan targeting the UFC event.

Planned Attack Prevented

Two individuals were arrested for conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the planned attack. William Lee Spartacus Falkner, from Washington state, and Jordan W. Rincker, from Missouri, faced charges. The law enforcement intervention prevented the plan before the scheduled June 14 event.

Falkner’s defense attorney did not respond to inquiries, and Rincker’s legal representation remains unspecified. Neither has entered a plea. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized law enforcement’s role in preventing harm on the White House Grounds.

Investigation Details

Threat information emerged four days before the event, prompting action by the Justice Department. Federal charges were announced against individuals from various states, including Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, and California, increasing the number facing charges to seven.

Investigations began following a tip from the mother of Tycen Proper, a 19-year-old Ohio suspect. Concerned about her son’s firearm purchases, she alerted authorities. Proper revealed intentions to initiate a revolution and target government officials, planning to use drones loaded with explosives.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Proper faces charges including firearms offenses and attempted murder of a U.S. officer. His attorney, Joe Patituce, acknowledged the charges’ severity, pledging to address them in court.

Authorities recovered high-powered firearms from suspects and analyzed encrypted messages among approximately 20 participants, sharing maps, aerial photos, and discussing escape plans. The capability to attack, including using explosive drones, relied on equipment acquisition.

Group Dynamics and Tactics

Some suspects claimed they would observe, not partake in violence. One intended to attend as a protester but was hindered by transportation issues. Despite drone intentions, equipment acquisition remained pending.

Prosecutors alleged Rincker distributed funds and accepted weaponry and other items to produce drone components with a 3D printer he intended for crafts. An affidavit revealed Falkner’s communications about drone procurement and tactics.

Following the plan’s disruption, Falkner informed a group member, “Work trip is canceled. My boss got picked up,” linking to news of initial arrests.