Press Release

Belfair, Washington, man arrested by FBI in connection to planned attack on government officials at White House UFC event

Monday, June 22, 2026
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Washington

Defendant conspired with others to procure and fly explosive laden drones

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.