FBI Identifies Sixth Suspect in Alleged UFC Attack Plot
FBI Names Additional Suspect in Alleged UFC Event Attack Conspiracy
Federal authorities have publicly identified a sixth individual in connection with an alleged plot to disrupt the UFC Freedom 250 event in Washington, D.C. Court documents unsealed Monday in the Western District of Missouri reveal Jordan W. Rincker, a Missouri resident, as the latest defendant to be named in the conspiracy. This brings the total number of publicly identified suspects to six, following the initial charges against five individuals in mid-June.
The alleged scheme reportedly involved the deployment of explosive-laden drones aimed at buildings near the event venue. The objective, according to investigators, was to trigger a mass evacuation and funnel attendees towards a pre-positioned sniper team. A subsequent phase of the plot, officials stated, included an attempt to breach the White House gates.
Online Community Allegedly Fostered Plotting
Prosecutors suggest that the individuals involved began coordinating around March through a TikTok community known as “Vanguard of the Old.” Initially, participants reportedly shared workout videos and tactical content before transitioning to encrypted communication platforms like Signal. The newly unsealed criminal complaint details allegations that members of the conspiracy agreed to carry out acts of violence, including murder, within the vicinity of the White House during the UFC Freedom 250 event. The alleged conspiracy is said to have been active from approximately March until June 21.
Federal investigators assert that members of the group acquired firearms, ammunition, ballistic protection, and other tactical gear in preparation for the planned attack. Specific allegations include Tycen Proper’s purported acquisition of substantial amounts of ammunition, plate carriers, rifles, and tactical apparel. Daniel Eskridge is also named, with claims that he obtained multiple firearms, a helmet, and a ballistic vest. Eskridge allegedly shared a photograph of this tactical equipment on the encrypted messaging platform SimpleX in May, as detailed in the court filings.
Logistical Role and Inter-Agency Tensions
The complaint outlines Jordan W. Rincker’s alleged logistical role within the conspiracy. He is accused of accepting a $1,200 cash payment from co-defendant Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, sending $100 to Bryan Omar Roa to assist with Roa’s travel from California to Washington, and transferring a pump-action shotgun to Alvarez during a face-to-face meeting. Roa reportedly began his journey from California to Washington on June 11 with the intention of participating in the attack.
The plot’s unraveling is attributed to a tip provided to federal authorities by the mother of Tycen Proper, a 19-year-old suspect from Ohio. A subsequent seizure of Proper’s phone provided investigators with crucial information, leading to the identification of other members within the alleged network. Analysis of Proper’s phone revealed a primary Signal chat group with approximately 19 alleged participants, in addition to smaller, specialized chat groups organized by function and location.
Reports indicate that tensions arose between federal agencies regarding the timing of the case’s public disclosure. Two senior government officials indicated that leadership within the Secret Service favored delaying public announcement until further arrests could be made, expressing concerns that premature disclosure might alert other potential targets and impede the ongoing investigation.
