As he was arrested, the DOJ alleged he was at the rear of a vehicle with the drone powered up and the explosive device was armed and located next to the drone.

In September 2024, Philippi drove with undercover employees of the FBI to an electric substation previously researched and targeted by him and Philippi conducted reconnaissance of the substation. The DOJ alleges that while driving, he ordered a plastic explosive composition known as C-4 and other explosives from the undercover.

He later allegedly purchased black powder to be used in pipe bombs, which Philippi intended to use during the attack. The DOJ said he contacted another confidential human source, “If you want to do the most damage as an accelerationist, attack high economic, high tax, political zones in every major metropolis.”

Philippi also allegedly discussed operational security, including the need for disguises, the use of leather gloves, wearing shoes that are too big, the need to burn their clothes after the attack and not bringing smartphones on the night of the attack.

Then, on Nov. 2, 2024, he participated in a Nordic ritual, which included reciting a Nordic prayer and discussing the Norse god Odin. Philippi allegedly told the undercover that “this is where the New Age begins” and that it was “time to do something big” that would be remembered “in the annals of history.”

I imagine that it’s kinda an unpleasant moment when you abruptly discover that all your fellow white supremacists who have been working with you towards this glorious moment of blowing stuff up are actually FBI agents.