Skyler Philippi, 24, of Columbia, Tennessee, was arrested by federal agents and charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and planning to destroy an energy facility. Authorities allege that Philippi had been plotting a violent attack since June 2024.
“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.”
According to court documents, Philippi expressed a desire to commit a mass shooting at a YMCA in Columbia. In July, he discussed the potential impact of targeting large interstate substations, claiming that attacking multiple substations would “shock the system” and lead to widespread failures in the power grid. Researching prior assaults on electrical infrastructure, Philippi concluded that firearms alone would not be effective, and instead devised a plan to use a drone equipped with explosives.
The Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco shares, “As alleged in today’s charges, Skyler Philippi, a man dedicated to white supremacist ideology and the destruction of our critical infrastructure, planned to attack Nashville’s power grid using a drone carrying an explosive device. Thanks to brave work by the FBI, his scheme was thwarted. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, disrupt, and hold accountable those who seek to wage such hate-fueled violence, which has no place in America or anywhere else.”
In September, Philippi conducted reconnaissance at an electric substation he had previously targeted and communicated with undercover FBI agents about acquiring explosives. He ordered C-4 and later purchased black powder for use in pipe bombs intended for the attack. Text messages revealed his intention to maximize damage by striking economically significant areas in major cities.
On November 2, Philippi participated in a ritual invoking Norse mythology, during which he proclaimed that “this is where the New Age begins” and emphasized the need to execute a significant act that would be historically remembered. He and the undercover agents proceeded to the planned operation site, where law enforcement agents ultimately arrested him. At the time of his capture, Philippi was in a vehicle with a powered drone and an armed explosive device.
“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.”
Philippi now faces charges of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the appropriate sentence, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.
“As alleged, the defendant in this case conducted extensive research into explosive devices and potential targets to launch an attack against critical infrastructure,” said Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “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.”
