Federal authorities arrested a 24-year-old Tennessee man who allegedly planned to crash an explosive-laden drone into a Nashville energy facility as part of what prosecutors describe as a white supremacist terror attack.
Skyler Philippi of Columbia was arrested November 2 with a powered-up drone and armed explosives moments before the planned attack, according to the Department of Justice.
He faces charges of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility.
“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.
According to a criminal complaint, Philippi initially told FBI sources in June about plans for a mass shooting at a local YMCA before shifting focus to power substations.
Prosecutors say he was motivated by “accelerationist ideology,” a white supremacist belief that society’s collapse is necessary.
“If you want to do the most damage as an accelerationist, attack high economic, high tax, political zones in every major metropolis,” Philippi allegedly texted a confidential source in July.
The FBI says Philippi conducted reconnaissance with undercover agents in September, ordered explosives, and discussed using disguises. Before his arrest, he allegedly performed a Nordic ritual, telling agents it was time to do something remembered “in the annals of history.”
Philippi is scheduled to appear in federal court November 13. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.