FBI foils plan to attack Nashville power grid with explosive drone

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Skyler Philippi posed for photos with undercover FBI agents while holding pipe bombs. (Ministry of Justice)

A. Columbia, Tennessee The man allegedly tried to fly a drone filled with explosives into an energy facility before the FBI stopped him from destroying critical infrastructure, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In a press release, the Department of Justice said 24-year-old Skyler Philippi was arrested and charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to destroy an energy facility.

“As charged, Skyler Philippi believed he was minutes away from launching an attack on a Nashville energy facility to further his violent white supremacist ideology, but the FBI had already compromised his plan,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. he said. “This case serves as another warning to those who seek to sow violence and chaos in the name of hatred by attacking our country’s critical infrastructure: The Department of Justice will find you, we will thwart your conspiracy, and we will hold you accountable.”

DOJ said In June, Philippi told a confidential human source (CHS) that he wanted to stage a mass shooting at a YMCA in Columbia, Tennessee.

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About a month later, he allegedly told another CHS that an attack on major interstate substations would “shock the system” and cause other substations to fail.

Skylar Philippi met with FBI undercover operatives in an open field near Franklin, Tennessee, to try flying a drone. (Ministry of Justice)

According to the Department of Justice, Philippi investigated previous attacks on electrical substations and ultimately concluded that simply using firearms was not enough. Instead, he planned to use a drone with explosives on it and then fly the drone into a substation.

In September, Philippi allegedly went to a substation where undercover FBI employees had previously investigated and made reconnaissance.

While en route, Philippi allegedly ordered C-4 and other explosives from undercover employees, then purchased black powder to put into pipe bombs. The Justice Department said Philippi planned to use pipe bombs during the attack on the substation.

He also allegedly texted the confidential source: “If you want to do the most damage as an accelerator, attack high economic, high tax and political areas in every major metropolitan area.” Philippi said of the substation: “Damn. There will be fireworks on the Fourth of July.”

Philippi allegedly discussed the need to disguise himself, use leather gloves, wear shoes that were too large, and burn his clothes after attacking the substation. He also allegedly told the crew not to bring smartphones on the night of the attack.

The Department of Justice said that on November 2, 2024, Philippi participated in a Norse ritual and recited a Norse prayer.

“This is where the New Age begins,” Philippi reportedly told undercover employees, adding that it was time to do something big that would be remembered “in the annals of history.”

Philippi and the undercover employees drove to the scene and, upon arrival, took up their assigned surveillance positions before law enforcement arrested him.

The Justice Department said Philippi was in the back of the vehicle, where the drone was being operated, when he was arrested. The Ministry of Justice added that an armed explosive was found next to the drone.

“Driven by a racially motivated, violent extremist ideology, the Defendant planned to attack the power grid with drones and explosives, leaving thousands of Americans and critical infrastructure such as hospitals without power.” FBI Director Christopher Wray in question. “The FBI’s swift work led to the detection and disruption of the defendant’s plan before it 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.”

Philippi was charged with attempted use of a device weapon of mass destruction and attempted to destroy an energy facility. He faces life imprisonment if convicted.

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