Photo: Alamy
Federal prosecutors have charged two additional defendants in the alleged plot targeting the UFC event held on White House grounds, bringing the total number of individuals charged in the case to seven.
According to court filings and reporting cited by ABC News, the newly charged suspects are Jordan Rincker of Missouri and William Lee Falkner of Washington state. Both have been added to a case that already included five defendants accused of participating in a conspiracy to carry out a mass-casualty attack during the high-profile event.
Prosecutors allege the group discussed using explosive-equipped drones to trigger panic among attendees and create an evacuation scenario, followed by gunfire directed at fleeing crowds. Investigators say the plan was discussed through encrypted communications and evolved over several months.
“These latest arrests reflect the rapid progress of our investigation into the alleged plot targeting the UFC event at the White House — an apparent attempt to destabilize the U.S. government,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security (NSD) John A. Eisenberg. “NSD will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that all individuals who sought to carry out this potential attack are identified and brought to justice.”
Court documents allege Rincker accepted $1,200 in cash from another defendant, provided a shotgun during an in-person meeting, and sent money to help finance travel connected to the operation. Prosecutors also claim he participated in discussions about 3D-printed drone components, though Rincker later told investigators he had no experience building drones and denied knowing how such systems would be constructed.
Falkner is accused of participating in encrypted conversations about acquiring drones and attaching explosive payloads. Authorities have not publicly disclosed whether any operational explosive devices were recovered during the investigation.
Federal officials say the probe began after a family member of one suspect alerted authorities about concerns involving weapons stockpiling and online communications. Investigators later uncovered evidence that some participants discussed alternative targets, including large sporting events.
The Department of Justice says the investigation remains active and additional arrests or charges are possible as authorities continue reviewing encrypted messages and other evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
