(RightIsRight.co) – In a shocking revelation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) thwarted a 24-year-old Tennessee man’s alleged plot to attack Nashville’s power grid with an explosive-laden drone.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged Skyler Philippi with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of critical infrastructure. These crimes could potentially land him in prison for life if convicted.
What is particularly alarming about this case is the ideological motivation behind the planned attack.
According to authorities, Philippi’s actions were driven by a violent white supremacist ideology known as “accelerationism,” which seeks to hasten the collapse of American society.
Moreover, the FBI had been monitoring the criminal since June after receiving intelligence about his plans for mass violence from a confidential source.
FBI Director Christopher Wray stated, “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.”
He continued:
“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.”
Meanwhile, the investigation revealed that Philippi had been meticulously planning his attack since September.
He conducted extensive research on past attacks on electric substations and even carried out reconnaissance on a substation with the unwitting assistance of undercover FBI employees.
His preparations included purchasing materials for pipe bombs and acquiring explosives, demonstrating the seriousness of his intentions.
Perhaps most chilling is the fact that Philippi’s ambitions extended beyond just attacking the power grid.
He reportedly discussed plans for a mass shooting at a YMCA facility and explored the possibility of targeting multiple interstate substations to cause widespread disruption.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said, “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.”
“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,” Garland added.
The swift action of the FBI in this case demonstrates that with proper resources and determination, it can effectively counter the threats posed by domestic extremists and protect Americans’ security.
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