Authorities have revealed the identity of the suspect behind the foiled Nashville drone terror plot as 24-year-old Skyler Philippi. Philippi, who appeared in court documents wearing a skull mask, was arrested near a Music City power station with a bomb-laden drone that was reportedly 'powered up' at the time of his arrest.
Federal prosecutors are seeking to have Philippi jailed pending trial, citing concerns about the safety of the community. Described as an alleged 'accelerationist,' Philippi is said to have expressed a desire to hasten societal collapse, with plans to target high economic and political zones in major cities.
According to prosecutors, Philippi discussed carrying out a mass shooting at a YMCA and derailing a train with antisemitic motives. He allegedly claimed past affiliation with White supremacist groups and made derogatory remarks about certain ethnic groups.
Philippi's research into past attacks on the power grid led him to believe that targeting multiple power stations simultaneously would have a crippling effect on the country. He allegedly intended to use a homemade drone equipped with explosives to carry out his plan.
When authorities moved to arrest Philippi, they found him in possession of a live bomb and the drone in a car. The FBI's swift action prevented the plot from being executed, averting potential harm to thousands of Americans and critical infrastructure.
Philippi is facing charges of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility. FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the seriousness of the case, highlighting the threat posed by domestic violent extremists and the FBI's commitment to preventing acts of violence against American communities.
