Federal authorities have charged two additional men, Jordan Rincker and William Lee Spartacus Falkner, in connection with an alleged plot to attack a UFC event at the White House earlier this month. According to Justice Department criminal complaints, the defendants coordinated via encrypted group chats to procure explosives and custom-rigged drones, with one suspect claiming he could control over 40 drones simultaneously to maximize damage.
How did the suspects coordinate the drone attack?
The plot relied on a decentralized structure, according to federal filings. William Lee Spartacus Falkner allegedly served as the technical lead, advising the group on how to purchase and modify drones to carry at least 12-pound payloads. Court documents show Falkner discussed specific drone models that could evade law enforcement jamming technology.
In group messages, Falkner stated he could manage more than 40 drones at once. When the initial arrests were made public, Falkner reportedly messaged an associate to confirm his “work trip” was canceled because his “boss”—identified in documents as Abraham Alvarez—had been apprehended. Falkner noted that he felt the group had taken sufficient precautions, claiming his phone was “jailbroken.”
The use of commercial, off-the-shelf drones for illicit purposes has prompted federal agencies to increase investments in counter-UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) technology, which can detect, track, and disrupt unauthorized drone signals in real-time.
What role did the 3D printer play in the conspiracy?
Jordan Rincker, arrested at his mother’s home in Missouri, allegedly acted as a manufacturer for the group. According to the criminal complaint, Abraham Alvarez provided Rincker with a 3D printer, a Mac minicomputer, night vision goggles, and over $1,000 to facilitate the construction of explosive-rigged drones.
Rincker told investigators he provided a shotgun to Alvarez, stating he felt he had “armed a terrorist.” However, Rincker claimed to investigators that he lacked the actual ability to build drones or acquire explosives. He characterized his participation as a ruse to obtain the printer and funds, telling agents he was “just giving them bullsh*t ideas” to maintain his standing in the group.
How does this plot compare to previous drone-related threats?
This case highlights a shift toward using small, inexpensive commercial technology to bypass traditional security perimeters. While the Justice Department has previously prosecuted individuals for individual drone misuse, the coordination described in this complaint—involving 40-plus drones and specialized explosive payloads—marks an escalation in the complexity of domestic plots.
The following table contrasts the reported roles of the two newly charged defendants:
| Defendant | Alleged Role | Key Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| William Lee Spartacus Falkner | Technical Strategist | Group chat messages discussing drone payloads and jamming evasion. |
| Jordan Rincker | Manufacturer | Receipt of 3D printer and $1,000; admission of supplying a firearm. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these defendants currently in custody?
Yes. According to the Justice Department, both Falkner and Rincker made their initial appearances in federal court following their arrests.
What was the intended target of the drone plot?
The complaint identifies a UFC event held at the White House as the primary target for the alleged drone and sniper attack.
Did the defendants actually possess explosives?
The court complaints state that while the group discussed using explosives for “maximum damage,” the documents do not confirm that Falkner or the others had successfully obtained or manufactured live explosive devices at the time of their arrests.
For ongoing updates on federal criminal proceedings, monitor the official Justice Department press release portal or the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system for the latest filings in the case.
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