Seattle – A 21-year-old resident of Belfair, Washington, was arrested Friday June 19, 2026, in a fast-moving FBI investigation of a plot to attack the June 14, 2026, UFC event at the White House, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. William Lee Spartacus Falkner was arrested midday Friday June 19, 2026. Falkner is charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit murder. Falkner appeared in U.S. District Court in Tacoma today and was ordered detained pending future hearings.
“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,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “This was a geographically wide-ranging conspiracy, and the investigation has required round-the-clock coordination to identify and arrest those responsible. 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.”
“While many enjoyed a relaxing holiday weekend, the FBI and our partners remained vigilant, working hard to keep the public safe,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “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.”
According to the detailed complaint, law enforcement first learned of the plot to attack the UFC White House event when the parents of a coconspirator in Ohio alerted police to their son’s purchase of weapons and concerning online activities. As investigators reviewed cell data and online communications, they identified a number of coconspirators including Falkner. The communications indicate Falkner has experience with drones, both manufacturing and piloting them. In the communications he discussed loading explosives on the drones and how to configure and fly them for maximum destructive impact.
The plan apparently called for the drones to attack the event on one side to force those in attendance to try to exit from the other side of the event where they could be shot by coconspirators with sniper rifles and other weapons.
Falkner and another had been discussing their “Work trip” — prior to the scheduled UFC fight. After the arrests of some of the coconspirators Falkner and others communicated that the “work trip” was cancelled.
One of those arrested in this case said the goal of the conspirators was to cause enough chaos to bring about the overthrow of the U.S. government.
The charge contained in the criminal complaint is only an allegation. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Conspiracy to commit murder is punishable by up to life in prison.
The case is being investigated by the FBI with significant assistance from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted in Seattle by Assistant United States Attorney Brian Wynne. He is working closely with the Department of Justice National Security Division on the case.
Contact
Press contact for the U.S. Attorney’s Office is Communications Director Emily Langlie at (206) 553-4110or Emily.Langlie@usdoj.gov.
