A Tennessee man associated with Neo-Nazi groups pleaded guilty to attempting to destroy an energy facility in Nashville using a weapon of mass destruction, the U.S. Department of Justice announced on Tuesday.
In August 2024, Skyler Philippi, 24, of Columbia, Tenn., told undercover agents that he had written a “manifesto” outlining his intent to attack “high tax cities or industrial areas to let the kikes lose money,” using a slur for Jewish people. The department said he had previous affiliations with white supremacist and Neo-Nazi groups, the Atomwaffen Division and the National Alliance.
“For months, Philippi planned what he had hoped would be a devastating attack on Nashville’s energy infrastructure,” said John Eisenberg, U.S. assistant attorney general for national security. “Motivated by a violent ideology, Philippi wanted ‘to do something big.’ Instead, the FBI disrupted his plans, and Philippi now awaits sentencing.”
Court documents state Philippi said to undercover agents in July 2024 that he intended to fly a self-built drone with explosives into Nashville electrical substations. In August 2024, he ordered C-4 and other explosives from the undercover agents.
On Nov. 2, 2024, he met with the agents at a hotel and participated in a “Nordic ritual,” according to the Justice Department, stating, “This is where the New Age begins.” The group then drove to the operation site, where Philippi was taken into custody.
Philippi faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2026.
