article

Skyler Philippi took a photo with undercover FBI employees while they held pipe bombs. (Ministry of Justice)

A Columbia, Tennessee The man allegedly attempted to fly a drone packed 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 DOJ said Skyler Philippi, 24, was arrested and charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility.

“According to the indictment, Skyler Philippi believed he was about to launch an attack on a Nashville energy facility to promote his violent white supremacist ideology – but the FBI had already compromised his plot,” the prosecutor said. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This case serves as yet another warning to those who seek to sow violence and chaos in the name of hatred by attacking our nation’s critical infrastructure: the Department of Justice will find you, we will foil your plot, and we will demand accounts.”

The DOJ said Philippi told a Confidential Human Source (CHS) in June that he wanted to carry out a mass shooting at a YMCA in the Columbia, Tennessee area.

Maryland woman pleads guilty to conspiracy in alleged extremist plot to attack Baltimore power grid

Nearly a month later, he reportedly told another CHS that an attack on large interstate substations would “shock the system” and cause other substations to malfunction.

Skylar Philippi met with undercover FBI employees in an open area near Franklin, Tennessee, to test pilot a drone. (Ministry of Justice)

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

In September, Philippi allegedly went to a substation with undercover FBI employees on whom he had already researched and conducted reconnaissance.

Along the way, Philippi allegedly ordered C-4 and other explosives from undercover employees, then purchased black powder to put in pipe bombs. The DOJ said Philippi intended to use the pipe bombs in the substation attack.

He also reportedly texted the confidential source, “if you want to do the most damage as an accelerationist, attack high economy, high tax political areas in all major metropolises.” Referring to the substation, Philippi said: “Holy shit. It’s going to go up like fucking Fourth of July fireworks.”

Philippi allegedly spoke of the need to dress up, wear leather gloves, wear shoes that were too big and burn their clothes after attacking the substation. He also allegedly asked the crew not to bring smartphones the night of the attack.

On November 2, 2024, Philippi participated in a Norse ritual and recited a Norse prayer, the DOJ said.

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

Philippi and the undercover employees drove to the site and, upon arrival, proceeded to their assigned surveillance posts before law enforcement officers arrested him.

The DOJ said Philippi was in the rear of the vehicle when it was stopped, where the drone was powered on. Next to the drone, the DOJ added, was an armed explosive.

“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. » Christopher Wray, Director of the FBI said. “The FBI’s rapid work helped detect and thwart the defendant’s plot before it could cause any harm. 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 attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility. He faces life in prison if convicted.

Read the rest of this story on FOX News.