A shocking plot to attack critical infrastructure in Tennessee has been foiled. Skyler Philippi, 24, from Columbia, Tennessee, pleaded guilty today to attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and trying to destroy an energy facility.
Authorities say his plan could have caused widespread disruption to thousands of American homes and critical services.
FBI and Prosecutors Intervene to Thwart Attack
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A.
Eisenberg explained that Philippi spent months planning what he hoped would be a devastating assault on Nashville’s energy systems.
He obtained what he believed were explosives, scouted his target, and equipped a drone to deliver the attack.
“Motivated by a violent ideology, Philippi wanted to do something big,” Eisenberg said.
“Fortunately, the FBI disrupted his plans. The National Security Division and the FBI will continue to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure from would-be saboteurs.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire also praised the law enforcement response, stating, “Our office is fully committed to thwarting dangerous attacks motivated by hate.
I commend the agents who investigated this conduct and stopped this attack from victimizing our community, and the prosecutors who held the defendant accountable for his terrible actions.”
The Threat Posed by Philippi’s Plan
FBI Assistant Director Donald Holstead highlighted the potential scale of the attack.
“Skyler Philippi planned to attack an energy facility with a drone containing explosives, which had the potential to knock out power to thousands of American homes and critical facilities like hospitals,” he said. “Through rigorous investigation, his plan was disrupted.
Protecting our communities from threats to public safety is a priority for the FBI.”
Detailed Plot Uncovered in Court Documents
Court records reveal the extent of Philippi’s planning.
In June 2024, he told a confidential human source (CHS) that he wanted to commit a mass shooting at a YMCA in Columbia.
By July, Philippi was focused on attacking large interstate electrical substations, stating that hitting several would “shock the system.”
He concluded firearms would not be enough and planned to use a drone rigged with explosives, including TATP or C-4, preferably one he built himself to avoid detection.
In August 2024, Philippi shared a “manifesto” with an undercover employee expressing his desire to attack “high tax cities or industrial areas,” referencing previous ties to extremist groups like Atomwaffen Division and the National Alliance.
By September, he had conducted reconnaissance at a specific substation, ordered explosives, and purchased black powder for pipe bombs.
His texts emphasized causing maximum damage in economically and politically significant zones.
Arrest During Preparations for Attack
On November 2, 2024, Philippi met undercover employees at a hotel for a ritual invoking Norse mythology.
He stated, “this is where the New Age begins” and declared it was “time to do something big.” When authorities intercepted him at the operation site, he was ready to attach explosives to the drone.
Philippi was immediately arrested, preventing what could have been a catastrophic attack.
Sentencing and Legal Proceedings
Philippi is scheduled for sentencing on January 8, 2026.
He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
A federal judge will determine the sentence, taking into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the FBI Nashville Field Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Kurtzman and Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.