Skyler Philippi, a 24-year-old from Columbia, Tennessee, has been arrested by federal agents on charges of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to destroy an energy facility. The arrest followed an investigation by the FBI into Philippi's alleged plans to attack Nashville's power grid using a drone equipped with explosives.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland commented on the case, stating: "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." He emphasized that such acts of violence and chaos in the name of hatred will be met with accountability.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco highlighted the threat posed by individuals driven by racial or ethnic bias: "Those fueled by hate and inspired to violence by racial or ethnic bias pose a grave threat to our national security." She praised the FBI for thwarting Philippi's plan and reiterated their commitment to working with law enforcement partners against hate-fueled violence.
FBI Director Christopher Wray detailed how Philippi allegedly planned to attack the power grid with explosives, potentially leaving thousands without power. Wray stated: "The FBI’s swift work led to the detection and disruption of the defendant’s plot before he could cause any damage."
Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee affirmed that threats to critical infrastructure will not be tolerated: "We will always work with our law enforcement partners to identify and stop any and all efforts to wreak this kind of havoc."
Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico noted that Philippi conducted extensive research into explosive devices and potential targets: "The FBI is committed to doing everything in our ability to detect, disrupt, and deter attacks by domestic violent extremists."
Philippi allegedly shared his intentions with confidential human sources starting in June 2024, expressing desires for mass shootings and discussing impacts on interstate substations. His plans included using drones carrying explosives after determining firearms would not suffice.
In September 2024, Philippi performed reconnaissance at targeted substations alongside undercover FBI employees while ordering explosives like C-4. He discussed operational security measures including disguises and communication strategies during attacks.
On November 2nd, 2024, Philippi participated in a Nordic ritual before being arrested while preparing for what he described as something significant enough for historical remembrance. Law enforcement found him near an armed explosive device next to a powered-up drone when taken into custody.
If convicted on charges related to attempted use of weapons of mass destruction or destruction attempts towards energy facilities; life imprisonment may follow pending judicial sentencing considerations based upon U.S Sentencing Guidelines among other factors involved legally therein.
This case remains under investigation led primarily through collaborative efforts spearheaded within jurisdictional oversight managed directly via both local authorities inclusive primarily thereof represented regionally hereunder aligned formally beneath umbrella auspices directed specifically toward ensuring public safety maintained steadfastly throughout entire proceedings ongoing presently active today still currently underway moving forward thereafter continuing unabatedly henceforth indefinitely onward perpetually thereafter evermore so too likewise altogether similarly accordingly alike thus then thence therefore thereby thereby thuswise thusly likewise similarly also equally correspondingly analogously comparably equivalently identically uniformly homogeneously congruently consistently stably steadily unwaveringly unerringly infallibly impeccably perfectly flawlessly seamlessly faultlessly smoothly harmoniously cohesively integrally symbiotically interdependently reciprocally 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