The Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Tennessee man who allegedly planned to attack Nashville’s power infrastructure using a drone equipped with explosives. The incident highlights growing concerns about threats to critical infrastructure and the rise of domestic extremism in the United States.
Skyler Philippi, 24, from Columbia, Tennessee, was arrested on November 2, 2024, moments before he could allegedly execute his plan to crash an explosives-laden drone into a Nashville area power substation. The Department of Justice has charged Philippi with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility, crimes that could result in a life sentence if he is convicted.
The investigation revealed a months-long pattern of escalating threats and detailed planning by Philippi, who reportedly held white supremacist beliefs and sought to create chaos in urban areas. According to court documents, Philippi’s initial plans began to surface in June when he confided to an FBI confidential human source about his intentions to carry out a mass shooting at a local YMCA in Columbia, Tennessee.
However, Philippi’s focus shifted to attacking power infrastructure by July. In conversations with another confidential source, he expressed his belief that targeting large interstate substations would “shock the system” and trigger a cascade of substation malfunctions. After researching previous attacks on electric substations, Philippi concluded that conventional firearms would be insufficient for his purposes and began developing a more sophisticated plan involving drone warfare.
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,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. The Justice Department will find you, we will disrupt your plot, and we will hold you accountable.”
The investigation intensified in September when Philippi conducted reconnaissance of his target substation alongside undercover FBI employees. During this phase, he allegedly attempted to acquire C-4 explosives from the undercover agents and purchased black powder to manufacture pipe bombs. His messages to confidential sources revealed his broader ideological motivations, as he advocated for attacking “high economic, high tax, political zones in every major metropolis” to achieve maximum impact as an “accelerationist.
Philippi’s attention to operational security was evident in his detailed planning. He allegedly instructed his supposed accomplices to wear oversized shoes to confuse investigators, use leather gloves to avoid leaving prints, and burn their clothes after the attack. He also banned smartphones during the operation to prevent electronic tracking.
The plot reached its climax on November 2, when Philippi, believing he was about to make history, participated in a Nordic ritual and recited a Nordic prayer before heading to the target site. This is where the New Age begins,” he reportedly told undercover employees, expressing his desire to be remembered “in the annals of history.” Law enforcement moved in to arrest him as he was preparing the drone with an armed explosive device attached.
FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the severity of the threat, stating, “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.” The FBI’s intervention prevented what could have been a devastating attack on essential services.
This incident adds to a growing list of threats against America’s power infrastructure. In recent years, there have been several high-profile attacks and attempted attacks on electrical substations across the country, raising concerns about the vulnerability of these critical facilities. The use of drone technology in this plot represents a particularly worrying evolution in tactics, as unmanned aerial vehicles offer attackers the ability to bypass traditional security measures.
The case also underscores the ongoing challenge of domestic extremism in the United States. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned about the rising threat of racially motivated violent extremists targeting critical infrastructure as a means of advancing their ideological goals. The sophistication of Philippi’s alleged plot, combining both traditional explosives and modern drone technology, demonstrates the evolving nature of these threats.
The Department of Justice’s successful intervention in this case highlights the crucial role of preventive law enforcement work and the importance of human intelligence in identifying and disrupting potential attacks before they occur. The use of confidential human sources and undercover employees proved instrumental in monitoring the plot’s development and ensuring its ultimate failure.
As the case moves through the justice system, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting critical infrastructure and the importance of law enforcement’s efforts to combat domestic terrorism. The incident also raises questions about the security measures currently in place at power facilities and whether additional safeguards are needed to protect against the emerging threat of drone-based attacks.
The investigation and arrest of Philippi represent a significant victory for law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to prevent domestic terrorism and protect critical infrastructure. However, it also serves as a sobering reminder of the persistent threats facing America’s essential services and the continuing challenge of addressing ideologically motivated violence.
