Washington Man Accused in 19-Person Plot to Attack White House UFC Event
Updated
Updated · KOMO News · Jun 22
Washington Man Accused in 19-Person Plot to Attack White House UFC Event
3 articles · Updated · KOMO News · Jun 22
Summary
William Lee Spartacus Falkner was charged with conspiracy to commit murder after prosecutors said he helped plan a June 14 attack on a White House UFC event attended by President Donald Trump and other officials.
The criminal complaint says the group aimed to use explosives-laden drones to trigger panic, then funnel attendees toward gunmen positioned to assassinate government figures.
FBI investigators allege Falkner used encrypted chats to discuss drone tactics, explosives, heavy-payload aircraft, 3D-printed frames and even military-grade artillery shells, while offering to procure and operate drones.
The case grew out of a June 10 Ohio investigation into 19-year-old Tycen Proper, whose phone allegedly revealed the broader 19-person conspiracy, including escape routes, safe houses and a goal of creating enough chaos to overthrow the U.S. government.
How did a group coordinating on TikTok plan to weaponize commercial drones for a White House assassination plot?
With no actual drones recovered, was the White House plot a credible threat or simply an online fantasy?
Five Arrested in Foiled Drone and Sniper Plot Against White House UFC Event on America’s 250th Anniversary
Overview
A major attack on the White House was prevented when law enforcement foiled a plot targeting a UFC event scheduled for June 14, 2026. This event was especially significant as it coincided with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary, making it a high-profile target. The planned assault involved a multi-stage attack using explosive-laden drones followed by sniper fire, aiming to cause maximum harm to high-value targets. The Department of Justice identified Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez as the mastermind behind the scheme. Just days before the event, the FBI and Secret Service conducted multi-state operations and arrested five suspects, stopping the plot before it could be carried out.