Drone Attack Plot in Nashville: Suspect Arrested in Major FBI Operation

Person in handcuffs, hands behind their back.

The FBI has thwarted a chilling attempt by Skyler Philippi to attack Nashville’s power grid using explosives loaded on a drone.

At a Glance

  • Skyler Philippi, a 24-year-old, was arrested for planning an explosive drone attack on Nashville’s power grid.
  • The FBI charged Philippi with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, facing life imprisonment.
  • Philippi was motivated by a white supremacist ideology known as “accelerationism.”
  • Authorities caught Philippi as he prepared the drone near the targeted substation.

An Ominous Plot Unveiled

Skyler Philippi, a 24-year-old from Columbia, Tennessee, is facing grave legal consequences following his plot to disrupt Nashville’s power grid. Law enforcement arrested Philippi as he sought to use a drone equipped with explosives to attack an energy facility. Reports suggest that Philippi’s scheme was driven by “accelerationism,” a violent ideology aiming to hasten societal collapse.

The FBI had Philippi on their radar since June when a confidential source alerted them of his violent intentions. Authorities learned that Philippi conducted reconnaissance of a Nashville substation, plotting to disable the city’s energy supply. Philippi also communicated about targeting economically and politically significant zones in the United States, highlighting the extremist undertone of his endeavor.

Arrest and Charges

Undercover FBI agents were integral in preventing the attack, having infiltrated Philippi’s network. They facilitated the purchase of materials like black powder and C-4 explosives, ultimately leading to his capture as he attempted to prepare the drone for its destructive mission. Facing charges of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and targeting a critical energy facility, Philippi could serve a life sentence if convicted.

“Driven by a racially motivated violent extremist ideology, the Defendant planned to attack the power grid with a drone and explosives, leaving thousands of Americans and critical infrastructure like hospitals without power,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.

FBI Director Christopher Wray confirmed the plot was aimed at causing widespread interruptions to critical infrastructure. His remarks underline the need for vigilance against those motivated by such extremist ideologies. Philippi’s thwarted plan adds to a concerning trend of extremist plots targeting energy sectors, which have been increasing since 2016.

The Broader Implications

This incident heightens awareness of the potential for domestic threats driven by hateful ideologies. The Department of Justice has reiterated its commitment to dismantling plots that aim to endanger national security. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated that the Justice Department will disrupt such plots and pursue justice against any perpetrators seeking to sow chaos and fear.

“Skyler Philippi believed he was moments away from launching an attack on a Nashville energy facility to further his violent white supremacist ideology,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. “This case serves as yet another warning to those seeking to sow violence and chaos in the name of hatred by attacking our country’s critical infrastructure. The Justice Department will find you, we will disrupt your plot, and we will hold you accountable.”

As Philippi awaits trial, this case reminds the nation of the continuous threats faced by domestic extremists. It emphasizes the necessity of law enforcement’s proactive measures to safeguard American communities and critical infrastructure. The judicial system assumes all suspects are innocent until proven guilty, ensuring a fair trial process.

Sources:

  1. UPDATE: Columbia, TN Man Arrested in Plot to Attack Nashville Power Grid with Explosive Drone
  2. FBI thwarts man’s alleged plan to attack Nashville power grid with explosive-laden drone

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