The FBI has arrested two more suspects in connection with an alleged plot to attack government officials and attendees at a UFC event held at the White House earlier this month, the Justice Department announced Monday.

Federal authorities said William Lee Spartacus Falkner was arrested in Washington state on Friday. Jordan W. Rincker was arrested Sunday in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Both were charged with conspiracy to commit murder and made their initial court appearances Monday. The latest arrests bring the total number of defendants charged in the case to seven.

The arrests are the latest development in what prosecutors describe as a wide-ranging plan to carry out a mass-casualty attack during the June 14 UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, held on President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.

According to the Department of Justice, Falkner allegedly conspired with others to procure and operate explosive-laden drones, while Rincker allegedly possessed weapons and agreed to manufacture drone parts intended for use in the plot.

The case stems from an FBI investigation launched after authorities received information about a group allegedly planning to target government officials and other attendees at the event. Prosecutors say the suspects discussed using drones armed with explosives and deploying snipers to fire on fleeing crowds. 

The planned attack was disrupted before it could be carried out.

Five men were charged last week in connection with the alleged conspiracy, with arrests made in Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska and California. Authorities have said the investigation remains ongoing as they continue to examine the extent of the group’s activities and any additional participants.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said law enforcement agencies continue to work to “disrupt and hold accountable” those accused of plotting violence at the event.

FBI Director Kash Patel praised the FBI, DOJ prosecutors, the Secret Service and other partners for carrying out a multistate investigation that he said prevented a potentially deadly attack.

“This collective resolve demonstrates to anyone who threatens the lives of American citizens — this FBI and our partners will find you no matter where you hide, and you will face justice,” Patel said Monday.

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