WA suspect in White House UFC attack plot appears in court
William Lee Spartacus Falkner, 21, of Belfair, Washington, was detained Monday in Tacoma federal court for allegedly conspiring to commit murder. According to a federal criminal complaint, Falkner plotted with others to use explosive-armed drones and snipers to attack government officials during the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House on June 14.
How was the UFC Freedom 250 attack planned?
The Department of Justice stated that the FBI disrupted a plot to kill government officials attending the event on the White House South Lawn. The plan involved deploying drones armed with explosives to force an evacuation, allowing snipers to fire on “high value targets” within the fleeing crowd.
The June 14 event featured mixed martial arts fighters in a caged octagon under a structure called the “claw.” Attendees included President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and various Republican leaders and business executives, according to court documents.
What role did William Falkner play in the conspiracy?
Federal prosecutors allege Falkner played a significant role by coordinating the acquisition of drones. According to the criminal complaint, Falkner used Instagram to request five drone frames and told another user to set up a 3D printer.
In a group chat, Falkner allegedly discussed the price of drones and the fatal range of specific explosives. He wrote that home-made devices wouldn’t be enough and stated, “If you want them gone, you need something bigger than a little Ukrainian present from the sky,” according to the DOJ.
Falkner also claimed to have a network in the Pacific Northwest. He allegedly told co-conspirators on June 11 that he had “people in low places” making drones for the group, according to the complaint.
Why did the group target government officials?
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Wynne stated in court that the goal of the UFC attack and subsequent planned strikes was to create enough chaos to overthrow the U.S. government. This claim was based on statements made by co-conspirator Michael Alan Thomas after his arrest.
The FBI identified Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, as the organizer who directed the attack via Telegram. Investigation revealed the group also targeted members of Congress because they believed those officials had accepted money from pro-Israel lobbies, according to the DOJ.
What are the possible legal consequences?
Judge Grady J. Leupold ordered Falkner to remain in custody, citing a concern that the goal of overthrowing the government would provide an “overwhelming incentive” for the defendant to flee. Falkner told the court he was aware the charge could “affect my future very greatly.”
The crime of conspiracy to commit murder is punishable by up to life in prison. A possible next step in the legal process is a trial where the government may present evidence including rifles, tactical gear, and ammunition seized from other co-conspirators’ homes.
Falkner’s attorney argued his role was smaller than the government claims, noting he was not among the first five people arrested. Other charged individuals include Tycen C. Proper, Bryan Omar Roa, Michael Alan Thomas, and Daniel K. Eskridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was responsible for organizing the planned attack?
The FBI identified 31-year-old Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez of Omaha, Nebraska, as the person responsible for organizing and directing the attack.
How did law enforcement first discover the plot?
According to prosecutors, the plot was uncovered after the parents of Tycen C. Proper alerted police to their son’s purchase of weapons and concerning online activities.
What specific equipment did the conspirators possess?
Search warrants executed by the DOJ uncovered rifles, ammunition, tactical gear, and other firearms at the homes and in the vehicles of some alleged conspirators.
Do you think the use of encrypted apps like Telegram makes it harder for federal authorities to disrupt such plots?