FBI Arrests Tennessee Man Accused of Drone Plot Against Nashville Grid

FBI arrests Tennessee man for plotting to attack Nashville’s power grid with an explosive-laden drone, thwarting a potential act of domestic terrorism.

At a Glance

Skyler Philippi, 24, arrested for planning drone attack on Nashville power substation
Charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, faces potential life sentence
Attack allegedly motivated by white supremacist ideology known as “accelerationism”
FBI monitored and disrupted the plot before any damage occurred
Case highlights growing threat of extremist attacks on critical infrastructure

FBI Thwarts Potentially Devastating Attack on Nashville Power Grid

In a significant victory for law enforcement, the FBI has arrested Skyler Philippi, a 24-year-old man from Columbia, Tennessee, for allegedly plotting to attack Nashville’s power grid using a drone equipped with explosives. The arrest comes after months of surveillance and undercover work, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to preventing acts of domestic terrorism.

Philippi faces serious charges, including attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to destroy an energy facility. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison, reflecting the gravity of the alleged plot. The case has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to extremist attacks.

A 24-year-old Tennessee man was arrested moments before he planned to use a drone carrying an explosive to destroy a Nashville power substation to further his “violent white supremacist ideology,” federal prosecutors said Monday.https://t.co/h3j5Qfsmry

— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 5, 2024

White Supremacist Ideology Fuels Dangerous Plot

According to authorities, Philippi’s alleged plan was driven by a violent white supremacist ideology known as “accelerationism.” This extremist belief seeks to hasten the collapse of society through acts of violence and chaos. The FBI had been monitoring Philippi since June after receiving information about his intentions for mass violence from a confidential source.

“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 FBI’s swift work led to the detection and disruption of the defendant’s plot before he could cause any damage. We are committed to holding accountable anyone who threatens the security of our critical infrastructure or seeks to harm American communities through domestic violent extremism.”

Investigators uncovered disturbing evidence of Philippi’s plans, including discussions about attacking electric substations and targeting high economic and political zones in major cities. With the help of confidential sources, Philippi allegedly acquired materials for a pipe bomb and a drone, demonstrating his commitment to carrying out the attack.

Authorities Act Swiftly to Prevent Disaster

The FBI’s diligent work paid off when they arrested Philippi as he was reportedly preparing to attach an explosive device to a drone near the targeted power substation. This swift action potentially saved countless lives and prevented widespread disruption to essential services.

“As charged, Skyler Philippi believed he was moments away from launching an attack on a Nashville energy facility to further his violent white supremacist ideology – but the FBI had already compromised his plot,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said. “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.”

The thwarted attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by domestic extremism. It also highlights the critical role of law enforcement agencies in safeguarding our nation’s infrastructure and protecting American communities from those who seek to sow discord and violence.