FBI expands investigation as two more arrested from Missouri, Washington in foiled plot against Trump’s UFC White House event | Today’s news
Two other suspects from Missouri and Washington have been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to attack a UFC event hosted by US President Donald Trump at the White House earlier this month, according to authorities.
William Lee Spartacus Falkner, a resident of Belfair, Washington, was taken into custody Friday and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Jordan W. Rincker, 28, was arrested Sunday and faces the same charge of conspiracy to commit murder in the Western District of Missouri, the AP reported.
The US Department of Justice said five people from several states, including Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska and California, were initially taken into custody on federal charges.
“Law enforcement continues to do what they are doing – moving to disrupt and hold accountable those who allegedly planned to do harm on the grounds of the White House on June 14,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a news release.
An attorney appointed to represent Falkner did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment, while court documents do not indicate whether Rincker has secured legal representation. None of the defendants has yet entered a plea.
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Prosecutors say Jordan W. Rincker provided money to several members of the conspiracy and received items such as guns, a 3D printer, a computer and other equipment. He claims he also agreed to make drone components.
What does the FBI affidavit say about Rincker?
But according to an FBI affidavit, Rincker told investigators he never intended to use a 3D printer to make drones. Instead, he said he wanted a printer for personal use to create and sell handmade items.
The FBI affidavit states that Falkner allegedly exchanged messages with other members of the group regarding his ability to acquire and operate drones, as well as discussing potential tactics and types of explosives that could be used in the planned attack.
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The affidavit also states that after reports emerged that authorities had foiled the alleged plot, Falkner sent a text message to another attendee that read, “Work trip cancelled. My boss has been picked up,” along with a link to an article describing the initial arrests related to the case.
According to investigators, the suspects subscribed to extremist conspiracy theories and allegedly believed that carrying out the attack would help undermine the stability of the government.
Who is Tycen Proper?
The investigation began after the Ohio man’s mother alerted authorities to her concerns about her son’s recent gun purchases and his online activities, according to an FBI affidavit filed in the case.
According to an FBI affidavit, 19-year-old Tycen Proper told investigators he was part of a group that sought to spark a revolution by targeting government officials. Authorities say the group planned to plant drones with explosives at the event and then open fire on attendees who fled in panic.
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Proper was charged with several felonies, including firearms violations and attempted murder of a U.S. federal officer or employee.
“Mr. Proper appreciates the serious nature of the allegations currently pending against him and will properly address them in court at the appropriate time. For now, we will take the case forward,” Proper’s attorney, Joe Patituce, said Monday.
Meanwhile, investigators seized several high-powered weapons from some of the suspects and examined encrypted messages exchanged between about 20 individuals. The communications allegedly included detailed maps, aerial photographs of the target area and discussions about setting up a “safe house” and planning escape routes after a proposed attack, according to court documents.
However, the records do not clearly indicate how close the group came to acquiring the ability to carry out the alleged plot before authorities intervened.
Many of the suspects and alleged co-conspirators told investigators that they did not personally intend to participate in any acts of violence, claiming that they only planned to observe the actions of others.
One individual told investigators he intended to attend the UFC event as a protester, but was forced to return home when his vehicle broke down. Court filings also indicate that although members of the group discussed using drones rigged with explosives, they were still trying to obtain the necessary equipment when authorities disrupted the alleged plot.
Authorities first became aware of the potential threat on June 10, four days before a mixed martial arts event held on the South Lawn of the White House. Federal investigators said they foiled the planned attack days before the June 14 event.
(With agency input)
