A Tennessee man’s alleged plot to attack Nashville’s power infrastructure with an explosive-laden drone was thwarted by the FBI.
At a Glance
- Skyler Philippi, 24, arrested for plotting to attack Nashville power substation with explosive drone
- Charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and destroy critical infrastructure
- FBI monitored Philippi since June, disrupting plot before any damage occurred
- If convicted, Philippi faces potential life imprisonment
FBI Thwarts Potential Catastrophe
The FBI has arrested Skyler Philippi, a 24-year-old man from Columbia, Tennessee, for allegedly plotting to attack Nashville’s power infrastructure using a drone fitted with explosives. The Department of Justice has charged Philippi with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and destruction of critical infrastructure, offenses that could lead to a life sentence if he’s convicted.
The FBI had been monitoring Philippi since June after receiving information from a confidential source. As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that Philippi’s alleged motivations were rooted in a violent white supremacist ideology known as “accelerationism,” which seeks to hasten the collapse of American society.
Experts described accelerationism as a belief that a race war will bring about change in Western nations where governments are inherently corrupt. Accelerationists also believe that other branches of white supremacy are insufficiently extreme and promote âlone wolfâ terror attacks as a way of destabilizing society.
A Foiled Plot
According to authorities, Philippi’s plans were meticulously researched. He allegedly discussed attacking electric substations and sent texts about targeting high economic and political zones in major cities.
“If you want to do the most damage as an accelerationist, attack high economic, high tax, political zones in every major metropolis,” Philippi stated.
In a chilling detail that underscores the extremist nature of the plot, Philippi and his associates reportedly conducted a Nordic ritual before the planned attack, a practice sometimes associated with neo-Nazi and white supremacist activities. The FBI’s intervention came at a critical moment, as Philippi was preparing to attach an explosive to a drone near the power substation.
Rising Threat to Critical Infrastructure
This case is not isolated. Experts have noted an alarming increase in plots by far-right extremists targeting the power grid. A study highlighted a rise in white supremacist plots against the energy sector from 2016 to 2022, indicating a growing threat to critical infrastructure.
“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,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said.
The swift action of the FBI in detecting and disrupting Philippi’s alleged plot before any damage occurred demonstrates the agency’s commitment to combating domestic terrorism. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the governmentâs commitment to confronting domestic terrorism, and stated that the Justice Department is unwavering in its dedication to preventing violence.
