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A Tennessee man “dedicated to white supremacist ideology” faces federal charges in an alleged plot to blow up a Nashville energy facility, an attack that if successful could have left thousands without power three days before the US presidential election, the US Justice Department said Monday.

Skyler Philippi, 24, was arrested Saturday when he “believed he was moments away” from launching a drone armed with explosives at an electric substation in Nashville, according to an agency news release. He’s charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility.

Violent extremists are increasingly sharing tactics for attacking power stations, DHS warns

Philippi appeared in court Monday and is due back November 13, court records show. At the government’s request, a federal magistrate has detained him without bond until that hearing. An attorney for Philippi told CNN Tuesday he couldn’t comment.

Philippi’s plan was an attempt “to further his white supremacist ideology –– but the FBI had already compromised his plot,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in the news release.

“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.

America’s electrical sector has been on alert after a flurry of physical attacks and vandalism on its infrastructure in 2022. Some threats came from people espousing racially or ethnically motivated extremist ideology “to create civil disorder and inspire further violence,” the FBI said even before threats grew more acute.

Philippi told a confidential source in June he wanted to commit a mass shooting at a YMCA facility in Columbia, Tennessee, a federal criminal complaint alleges. The following month, Philippi introduced the idea for the energy facility plot to another confidential source, it says.

A vulnerable power grid is in the crosshairs of domestic extremist groups

In Philippi’s conversations with undercover agents, he said he had studied previous power grid attacks by accelerationists, who adhere to “a white-supremacist belief that the existing state of society is irreparable and that the only solution is the destruction and collapse of the ‘system,” the complaint states. But he concluded “attacking the electric substations with rifles would not cripple the substations,” the complaint says, noting he looked at two previous firearm attacks in North Carolina.

Philippi previously had noted “if eight or more power stations were attacked, it would cripple the United States power supply,” according to the complaint.

In a July text exchange with a confidential source, Philippi said: “if you want to do the most damage as an accelerationist, attack high economic, high tax, political zones in every major metropolis,” according to the complaint.

Philippi admitted to previously being affiliated with White supremacist groups that call “for the eradication of Jews and people of other races, so to create an all-white homeland, documents showed,” the complaint alleges.

With undercover FBI agents posing as accomplices, Philippi in September allegedly conducted “a reconnaissance of the substation,” the complaint states. He also ordered explosive materials from undercover agents and discussed plans for disguises.

Undercover agents on Saturday went with Philippi to the site where he planned to carry out the attack and acted as his “lookouts” while he attached explosives to the drone in the back of his car, the complaint alleges. Philippi wore a homemade shirt with a German phrase used by people who believe in neo-Nazi ideology, it says.

Attacks on US power grid have been subject of extremist chatter for years. DHS bulletin warns of attacks on critical infrastructure, other targets

Minutes before the planned attack, law enforcement agents arrested Philippi.

Domestic violent extremists have increasingly shared tactics with each other on using guns to attack electric power stations in a move that likely escalates the threat to US critical infrastructure, according to a Department of Homeland Security bulletin obtained last year by CNN.

“Electric utilities have always taken substation security seriously, primarily because of safety,” Patrick C. Miller, CEO of Oregon-based Ampere Industrial Security, which works with utilities to boost their security, told CNN in 2023.

“What hasn’t been considered as much, until recently, has been firearms, ballistics, drones and other threats from outside of the substation fence,” Miller said, adding it “takes some planning and investment to move to a more secure posture.”

In late 2022, gunshots fired at two North Carolina power substations left 45,000 homes and businesses without power, and separately two men were arrested in the alleged shutdown of four Washington state substations. In 2020, a drone crashed near a Pennsylvania power substation in what was likely an effort to damage or disrupt the electric equipment, federal law enforcement said.

The early voting period in Tennessee has ended but voters can still cast their ballots on Election Day, Nov. 5. On Tuesday, voters will need to appear at their assigned polling location with their necessary ID.

Wondering how to find your polling location or what ID is necessary? Here's what to know in Davidson County.

What time do the polls open on Election Day?

In Tennessee, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. If the polls close while you're waiting in line, you may remain in line and still cast your ballot.

The Davidson County Election Commission advises voters that if an error appears on the printed ballot, request a do-over — do not scan the ballot.

What is my polling location?

On Election Day, voters must vote at their assigned precinct.

Residents of Davidson County may use their county's Polling Place Finder to identify their assigned polling location. Voters may also look up their polling location through the Tennessee Secretary of State website.

What do I need to bring to vote? What IDs are acceptable?

Voters must present an ID with their name and photograph to vote, for example a Tennessee driver license. The following IDs are also acceptable, even if expired:

I forgot my ID. Can I still vote?

Yes. In the case that a voter can't provide an acceptable form of ID, the voter will be issued a provisional ballot.

The voter will then have two business days following Election Day to return to the election commission office to show a valid photo ID. According to the Tennessee Secretary of State, upon returning to the election commission office, the voter will sign an affidavit and a copy of the voter’s photo ID will be made to be reviewed by the counting board.

Is it too late to register to vote in Tennessee?

Yes, Tennessee does not offer same day voter registration. The last day to register to vote in Tennessee was Oct. 7.

Stay in the know:Download our app for breaking election news and alerts

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Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana

COLUMBIA, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Columbia man was arrested by federal agents and charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction to destroy an energy facility after a months-long investigation, according to the Department of Justice.

““Dangerous threats to our critical infrastructure threaten every member of this community and will not be tolerated,” acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennesse, Thomas J. Jaworski, said. “We will always work with our law enforcement partners to identify and stop any and all efforts to wreak this kind of havoc and will not hesitate in prosecuting those involved to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to a Monday press release from the U.S. Department of Justice, 24-year-old Skyler Philippi told a confidential source about a desire to commit a mass shooting at a YMCA facility in or around Columbia in June 2024.

The following month, Philippi reportedly told another source that attacking an electric substation would “shock the system” and cause other substations to fail. The DOJ said Philippi planned to use a drone with explosives attached to it and fly the drone into the substation.

The complaint added that in August, Philippi had written a “manifesto” and admitted to getting into a “shootout” with a Black man in Louisville, Kentucky. During the same conversation in which he admitted to being involved with the shootout, the complaint alleged that Philippi told an undercover FBI employee that he thought the September 11, 2001 attacks were “an inside job organized by a Jewish person.”

In September, Philippi drove to an electric substation with undercover FBI employees to conduct research and reconnaissance on the station. Philippi also stated to the undercover agents that he had previously researched power grid attacks in California and North Carolina. Philippi allegedly ordered C-4, which is a plastic explosive compound, and other explosives from the undercover employees. The DOJ added that Philippi later bought supplies to build pipe bombs.

“Holy sh–. This will go up like a fu**in fourth of July firework,” Philippi allegedly stated, referring to the substation.

Last month, Philippi allegedly instructed the undercover FBI employees to build the pipe bombs, but the undercover agents used an inert substance during the construction so that they would not detonate. The complaint added that Philippi and the agents also instructed the agents about what to wear and specific items to bring.

On Saturday, Philippi reportedly partook in a Nordic ritual and recited a Nordic prayer, telling undercover employees that “this is where the New Age begins” and that it was “time to do something big.” Philippi allegedly carried a handgun to the site, indicating that if they were confronted by law enforcement, he would shoot at them.

The complaint said that the drone was powered up and the explosive device was armed and next to the drone at the time of arrest.

“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,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in the press release. “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. I am grateful to the public servants of the FBI for their extraordinary work on this case and for the work they do every day to keep our country safe.”

Agents with Nashville’s FBI field office are investigating the case as well. If convicted, Philippi faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. That sentence would be determined by a federal district court judge after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

“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,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said in the press release. “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.”

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

In a press release, the DOJ said 24-year-old Skyler Philippi was arrested and charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility.

“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,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said.

“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.”

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

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

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

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

While on the way, Philippi allegedly ordered C-4 and other explosives from the undercover employees, then later purchased black powder to put into pipe bombs.

The DOJ said Philippi intended to use the 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 accelerationist, attack high economic, high tax, political zones in every major metropolis.” Referring to the substation, Philippi stated, “Holy sh**. This will go up like a fu**in fourth of July firework.”

Philippi allegedly discussed the need for disguises, leather gloves, wearing shoes that are too big and the need to burn their clothes after attacking the substation.

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He also allegedly told the crew to not bring smartphones on the night of the attack.

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

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

Philippi and the undercover employees drove to the site, and when they arrived, they moved to their assigned lookout positions before law enforcement agents arrested him.

The DOJ said Philippi was at the rear of the vehicle when he was arrested, where the drone was powered up. 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,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said.

“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.”

Philippi was charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility.

He faces up to life in prison if convicted.

and last updated 5:10 AM, Nov 05, 2024

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Columbia man is charged with trying to use a drone to take down a power facility in Nashville.

Federal agents announced the arrest Monday, where Skyler Philippi allegedly was at the back of a vehicle and powered up a drone with an explosive device next to the drone. Philippi is charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

“Driven by a racially motivated extremist ideology, the defendant allegedly 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 hold accountable anyone who threatens or plans harm to critical infrastructure or seeks to hurt American communities through domestic violent extremism.”

To plan the attack, authorities said he started in September with undercover employees of the FBI to an electric substation to do research. Authorities said Philippi purchased black powder for pipe bombs and C-4 explosive composition.

"If you want to do the most damage as an accelerationist, attack high economic, high tax, political zones in every major metropolis," Philippi told the confidential informant.

Referring to the substation, Philippi later said: “Holy sh**. This will go up like a fu**in fourth of July firework.”

Beginning in June 2024, federal authorities said Philippi told a confidential human source his desire to commit a mass shooting at a YMCA facility located in or around Columbia. In July 2024, Philippi told another confidential informant about the impact of attacking large interstate substations and said that attacking several substations would “shock the system,” causing other substations to malfunction.

“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. “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. I am grateful to the public servants of the FBI for their extraordinary work on this case and for the work they do every day to keep our country safe.”

Do you have more information about this story? You can email newsroom@newschannel5.com.

This year, Americans are expected to spend around 12 billion dollars on candy, costumes, and decorations. Over the last few years, it seems many more people are going all out on decorating their homes. Forrest Sanders had the chance to visit several mid-state communities to check out some of those Halloween decorations.

-Lelan Statom

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