Belfair Man Detained in Alleged White House UFC Attack Plot

BELFAIR, Wash. — FBI agents arrested a 21-year-old Belfair man Friday in connection with an alleged plot to attack a UFC event on the White House grounds. Federal prosecutors say the conspiracy aimed to assassinate government officials and ultimately overthrow the U.S. government. William Lee Spartacus Falkner appeared in U.S. District Court in Tacoma on Monday, where a judge ordered him detained pending future hearings.

Falkner faces a single federal charge of conspiracy to commit murder under Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 1117. A conviction carries a potential sentence of up to life in prison. Federal prosecutors allege he helped plan an explosive drone attack targeting the June 14 UFC Freedom 250 event on the South Lawn of the White House, where the President, members of Congress and Cabinet officials were expected to attend.

“Law enforcement continues to do what it does — move to disrupt and hold accountable those allegedly plotting to do harm on the White House Grounds on June 14,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said. “Each and every day, the FBI and their federal, state and local law enforcement partners, along with U.S. Attorneys offices across the country, safeguard American communities and our nation’s security.”

How the Investigation Began

The case began on June 10, 2026, when the parents of a 19-year-old Ohio man called the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. Court documents identify the son as Tycen C. Proper. His father told officers Proper had recently purchased camping gear, ballistic plates, a shotgun, a rifle, extra magazines, plate carriers and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Proper spent roughly $3,000 of his graduation money on the gear. He had also quit his job and planned to travel out of state to meet people he connected with online, intending to conduct what he called “missions” and “recons.”

Proper’s mother told investigators the online group presented itself as ex-military and Christian-based. However, members expressed strong anti-government sentiments, citing grievances about government corruption, the handling of the Epstein files and other political issues. She believed members used religion to manipulate her son.

Officers transported Proper to a hospital on an emergency psychiatric hold. As a result, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office contacted the FBI the next day.

FBI agents later interviewed Proper, who admitted he had been planning a coordinated attack timed to the UFC event. He described a plan where the group would fly explosive-laden drones over the north side of the UFC arena. The blasts would force the crowd and high-value targets south. Armed members then planned to open fire on those fleeing.

“These arrests are the latest result of the FBI, teaming up with our great partners, to identify and apprehend those who allegedly wanted to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event — a threat this FBI and our partners prevented,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. “In just over a week we have executed a multi-state operation that could not have been possible without our Justice Department prosecutors, the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, Secret Service, and our state and local law enforcement partners.”

Falkner’s Alleged Role

Investigators reviewed cell data and encrypted messaging records and identified Falkner as a key figure. According to the criminal complaint, Falkner joined a Telegram channel called “D Ops” on June 7, 2026. There he communicated with alleged conspiracy leaders using operational handles. SHEPHERD was Abraham Alvarez of Omaha, Nebraska. WHISKEY6 was Michael Allen Thomas. FULCRUM was Daniel Eskridge.

The complaint alleges Falkner discussed drone manufacturing, procurement, explosives and tactical planning in those communications. Specifically, he described drones built with 3D-printed carbon fiber frames and fiber optic controls to prevent jamming. He claimed those drones could carry military-grade 155mm artillery shells as payloads.

“The bodies are being printed as we speak,” Falkner allegedly wrote in the D Ops channel. “Carbon fiber.”

Furthermore, he claimed he could pilot more than 40 drones simultaneously to a single target. He cited Ukraine-style drone warfare as the model.

“I can fly up to 40 simultaneously, but I’m just saying 5 might not be enough,” he allegedly wrote. “In Ukraine, sometimes they send out 2 or 3x the amount of drones/target for max effectiveness.”

In addition, Falkner allegedly discussed sourcing aircraft through contacts in Nevada and Missouri, pricing them at $200 to $300 each. He also suggested the group steal materials from a military industrial complex facility if supplies ran short. The complaint further alleges he researched specific U.S. munitions production facilities by name as potential theft targets.

“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 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.”

Linked to Belfair Address

Investigators connected Falkner’s Telegram account to a phone number tied to a Nevada address and driver’s license. IP address data from Instagram then traced his online activity to a Belfair address on Rasor Road. Washington Department of Licensing records confirmed that address as Falkner’s listed residence. Investigators believe the property belongs to his grandmother.

After several co-conspirators faced arrest on June 18, Falkner allegedly messaged another Instagram user: “Work trip is canceled. My boss got picked up.” He then sent a link to news coverage of the arrests. He also noted that he and others had taken precautions keeping them out of early reporting.

Deputies from the Mason County Sheriff’s Enforcement Team and Patrol Division assisted FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force agents in arresting Falkner and executing a search warrant at his Belfair residence. FBI agents then booked Falkner into a federal holding facility.

“MCSO would like to inform citizens that our communities are safe and there are no current threats anywhere in our County,” the Mason County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Federal Partners involved in this investigation, only by partnering together can we keep our communities a safe place to live, work and play.”

“While many enjoyed a relaxing holiday weekend, the FBI and our partners remained vigilant, working hard to keep the public safe,” said FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington. “FBI Seattle especially commends the Mason County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service for their vital contributions to this investigation and arrest.”

“Here in the Pacific Northwest, the FBI and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office moved swiftly and carefully to ensure any threat to the public was neutralized,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd said.

Second Defendant Announced Monday

Federal officials also announced Monday the arrest of a second defendant. Jordan W. Rincker, 28, of St. Joseph, Missouri, faced arrest Sunday and appeared in U.S. District Court in Kansas City. Rincker faces conspiracy to commit murder charges in the Western District of Missouri.

Prosecutors allege Rincker accepted $1,200 in cash from co-conspirator Alvarez to distribute to others in the network. Specifically, he sent $100 via CashApp to Bryan Omar Roa of Calimesa, California, to cover gas money for a drive from California to Washington, D.C., to collect the alleged drone operator for the attack.

Agents searched Rincker’s home and storage unit and recovered multiple firearms, a 3D printer, printed gun parts and tactical gear including ballistic plates, night vision goggles and a thermal imaging scope. They also found a Muzi Works off-grid mesh network device. That system uses long-range radio frequencies to send secure messages and share locations without cellular service or internet access.

“This case demonstrates the effectiveness of our law enforcement partners and U.S. Attorneys working together to prevent violence before it can take place,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price for the Western District of Missouri. “We will continue taking decisive action against those who seek to endanger national security and threaten the safety of Americans. By staying proactive, we will disrupt their operations, break apart their networks, and hold those responsible accountable under the law.”

Broader Goals Alleged

According to the criminal complaint, co-conspirator Thomas, known as WHISKEY6, told investigators after his arrest that the group intended to generate enough chaos to bring about the overthrow of the United States government.

“I commend the work of the FBI for their effective investigative work on what was clearly a plot to murder members of the federal government at the highest levels,” Floyd said. “This was a geographically wide-ranging conspiracy, and the investigation has required round-the-clock coordination to identify and arrest those responsible.”

“This collective resolve demonstrates to anyone who threatens the lives of American citizens — this FBI and our partners will find you no matter where you hide, and you will face justice,” Patel added.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Wynne for the Western District of Washington is prosecuting the case. He works in coordination with the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. The FBI continues to investigate, with significant assistance from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office.

Falkner has not entered a plea. A criminal complaint is an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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