Tennessee White Supremacist’s Explosive Plot to Start Race War in Nashville Foiled by Feds!
A Tennessee man’s alleged plot to blow up a Nashville power grid with an armed drone was halted just in time by the FBI. Here’s what we know. 🌐 #News #NashvilleTN #Tennessee #Crime
NASHVILLE, TN – Federal agents have arrested a Tennessee man, accusing him of plotting a major attack on a Nashville power substation in an attempt to destabilize the region and provoke racial violence. Skyler Philippi, 24, is now facing charges of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility, according to the FBI.
Philippi allegedly aimed to disrupt power for thousands across Tennessee, hoping to trigger chaos that aligned with his white supremacist views. His plan, according to FBI reports, involved using a drone armed with explosives to target a key energy facility in Nashville—a move he reportedly believed would “shock the system” and accelerate racial tensions.
“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,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a statement.
FBI Investigation Uncovers Violent Intentions
According to the FBI, Philippi expressed intentions as early as June to carry out a violent act. In conversations with a confidential human source (CHS), he allegedly voiced a desire to commit a mass shooting at a YMCA facility in Columbia, Tennessee. By July, he reportedly outlined his plan to strike several power substations instead, telling a different CHS that he wanted to “shock the system” by crippling the electrical grid. Philippi allegedly believed that such a power outage would lead to widespread panic and help initiate a race-based conflict.
FBI Nashville Field Office Special Agent Joe Carrico stated, “As alleged, the defendant in this case conducted extensive research into explosive devices and potential targets to launch an attack against critical infrastructure. The FBI is committed to doing everything in our ability to detect, disrupt, and deter attacks by domestic violent extremists, and will continue to pursue those who look to commit acts of violence in furtherance of their ideological beliefs.”
Alleged Plot Details Reveal Extensive Planning
As part of his preparations, Philippi allegedly researched various methods for maximizing damage and communicated with undercover FBI employees (UCEs) who posed as suppliers. In September, he reportedly drove with the UCEs to a substation he had previously scoped out, stating, “Holy sh. This will go up like a fuin fourth of July firework.” Philippi also allegedly ordered C-4 explosives from the UCEs and purchased black powder, as he discussed disguises, avoiding phone tracking, and other measures for his planned attack.
Philippi’s conversations with a CHS allegedly included text messages encouraging attacks on “high economic, high tax, political zones in every major metropolis” to amplify the social and economic impact.
Arrest Made Just Before Planned Attack
On November 2, the FBI closed in on Philippi as he and the undercover agents traveled to the substation. Just before his arrest, the FBI claims that Philippi had “powered up” the drone, which was armed with an explosive device and ready for use. During his final moments of preparation, Philippi reportedly participated in a ritual dedicated to Odin, a Norse god, underscoring the ideological framework fueling his alleged plan.
“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,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “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.”
Moving Forward: Community Safety and Vigilance
This case sheds light on the real and present dangers posed by extremist individuals who target critical infrastructure in pursuit of ideological goals. Law enforcement’s proactive response highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting public safety, while the FBI continues its work to identify and intercept threats posed by violent extremists.
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