Skyler Philippi, a 24-year-old from Tennessee, was arrested for allegedly plotting to destroy a Nashville electrical substation using a drone loaded with C-4 explosives.

The FBI emphasized the critical nature of their intervention, which likely prevented significant harm to public safety and infrastructure.

Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Philippi's plan was motivated by white supremacist ideology and highlighted the Justice Department's commitment to disrupting such domestic terrorism plots.

Philippi was apprehended shortly after arriving at the launch site, where he believed he was close to executing his attack.

Federal prosecutors are seeking to keep Philippi in custody until his trial, citing serious concerns for public safety.

His plan involved using a drone to deliver explosives to the energy facility, aiming to disrupt the regional power network and create chaos.

Philippi had conducted reconnaissance of the targeted substation with undercover FBI agents and had ordered explosive materials from them.

The FBI's investigation into Philippi began in June 2024, after he expressed intentions to conduct a mass shooting at a YMCA and discussed attacking multiple power stations.

Philippi remains in custody, with a federal judge set to determine his sentence based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, as he faces a potential life sentence if convicted.

Court documents reveal that Philippi communicated plans to attack a YMCA and derail a train, motivated by antisemitic beliefs.

He instructed undercover agents on operational security measures to evade law enforcement, emphasizing the need for stealth during the planned attack.

Philippi is scheduled to appear in federal court on November 13, 2024, and is currently represented by a federal public defender.