A mass-casualty plot targeting the White House gate and a major public event in Washington, D.C., has been uncovered, with seven individuals now identified in connection to the alleged conspiracy. Investigators allege the group planned to use explosive-laden drones to trigger a mass evacuation of the June 14 UFC Freedom 250 event before directing fleeing crowds toward prepositioned shooters. A “second wave” was then reportedly expected to target the White House gate, according to FBI officials.
Newly unsealed court records identify Missouri resident Jordan W. Rincker and Washington state resident William Lee Spartacus Falkner as alleged members of the conspiracy, joining five suspects previously charged. Prosecutors allege Rincker helped fund and facilitate the operation, while Falkner allegedly discussed procuring and operating drones intended for use in the attack. The conspiracy operated from approximately 3 months ago through 1 day ago.
Threat to the Capital
The alleged plot aimed to inflict widespread chaos and casualties at a prominent national event and the seat of national power. Falkner allegedly joined a Telegram chat devoted to drone operations 15 days ago and communicated with other alleged conspirators about drone procurement, tactics, and the use of explosives. He reportedly discussed obtaining multiple drones through a network of contacts, arguing that “the more drones the better,” and exchanged messages about drone payloads, anti-jamming measures, fiber optics controls, and the number of drones needed.
The complaint alleges Falkner claimed he could obtain drones capable of carrying heavy explosive payloads and discussed coordinating their acquisition with other members of the group. He allegedly participated in a Telegram channel known as “D Ops” dedicated to the conspiracy’s alleged drone operation. In one exchange, a co-conspirator allegedly wrote that the group was “down to 7 days” before the attack and discussed obtaining multiple drones.
Members of the conspiracy allegedly agreed to commit murder on the White House grounds and surrounding area during the UFC Freedom 250 event. Federal investigators allege members acquired firearms, ammunition, ballistic gear, and other tactical equipment in preparation for the attack. Tycen Proper allegedly acquired several boxes of ammunition, plate carriers, rifles, and tactical clothing, while Daniel Eskridge allegedly obtained multiple firearms, a helmet, and a ballistic vest. Eskridge allegedly shared a photograph of tactical equipment, including a rifle, helmet, and ballistic vest, with co-conspirators on the encrypted messaging platform SimpleX about a month ago.
The Network and Its Reach
Prosecutors allege Jordan W. Rincker played a logistical role, accepting a $1,200 cash payment from co-defendant Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, sending Bryan Omar Roa $100 to fund Roa's drive from California to Washington, and transferring a pump-action shotgun to Alvarez. Roa allegedly began driving from California to Washington 11 days ago to participate in the attack. The plotters reportedly met around 3 months ago through a TikTok community known as “Vanguard of the Old,” where participants shared workout videos and tactical content before moving to encrypted Signal chats.
The network extended beyond the initial five men charged, with Proper’s phone containing a primary Signal chat with approximately 19 alleged participants, alongside smaller operational chat groups organized by role and location. The newly unsealed affidavit also suggests investigators were examining whether members of the group discussed a potential future attack targeting a FIFA World Cup match scheduled for 11 days from today in Kansas City, Missouri. Alleged ringleader Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez reportedly referenced this event and encouraged co-conspirators to prepare to travel to Missouri around the July 4 holiday.
Citizen Vigilance and Institutional Discord
The alleged plot was disrupted after the mother of Tycen Proper, a 19-year-old Ohio defendant, called in a tip to the FBI. A seizure of Proper’s phone helped investigators identify other members of the alleged network, underscoring the critical role of citizen vigilance in national security.
However, tensions reportedly arose between federal agencies over the decision to make the case public. Two senior U.S. officials stated that Secret Service leadership wanted to delay disclosing the investigation until additional arrests could be made, fearing that publicizing the probe could alert other subjects and complicate the ongoing investigation. FBI Deputy Director Chris Raia stated that initial arrests targeted the individuals investigators viewed as the most dangerous members of the alleged conspiracy, ensuring the event was safe, while continuing to pursue other suspects. This internal disagreement highlights potential vulnerabilities in the coordinated defense of national interests.