The United States is currently grappling with a significant rise in threats to its energy sector, with neo-Nazi terrorists increasingly targeting power stations. These extremists are using explosives and firearms in coordinated attacks, aiming to destabilize the nation’s critical infrastructure and potentially trigger an economic collapse.
In 2019, a plot was uncovered involving three neo-Nazis who planned to attack critical infrastructure across the country. Their goal was to instigate the economic downfall of the US. This incident has raised concerns among authorities about the potential for more coordinated and devastating attacks in the future.
US power grid faces rising neo-Nazi attacks, 71% surge in 2022. Fears of global instability-related threats.
4,493 attacks in 2020-2022, one fatal in Moore County, NC. #PowerGrid #Terrorismhttps://t.co/ziWRmoaH27
— Bullteeth (@Bullteeth) October 29, 2023
The Department of Energy has responded to this growing threat by allocating $38 million to modernize the electricity grid. This funding will be used to enhance infrastructure and cybersecurity protections. However, experts warn that it is impossible to fully secure all 55,000 substations across the country, many of which are privately owned and located in remote areas.
One of the most alarming incidents occurred in Maryland in 2023, when the founder of a neo-Nazi group was arrested for plotting to destroy the power grid in Baltimore. The plan involved shooting at five substations operated by Baltimore Gas and Electric, which serves 1.2 million customers. The suspects believed that their actions would cause widespread power failures and civil disturbances.
Liam Collins, a Marine Corps veteran who helped found a neo-Nazi terror cell accused of planning a terrorist attack on the nation’s power grid, has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of interstate transportation of an unregistered firearm. https://t.co/Md5tbbU2Az
— Chris (@mason4922) October 25, 2023
In another case, former Marine Liam Collins pleaded guilty to charges related to a neo-Nazi plot to attack US energy infrastructure. This plot was developed over three years at a military camp in North Carolina. Another neo-Nazi affiliate, Beau Daniel Merryman, also pleaded guilty to distributing information on constructing explosive devices to target critical infrastructure.
Despite these alarming incidents, it’s important to note that the majority of attacks on energy infrastructure have resulted in no disruption of service.
However, there have been instances where attacks have caused significant grid impacts. For example, an attack on two electric substations in North Carolina left 45,000 customers without power for several days, resulting in the death of an elderly woman.
While these threats are concerning, it’s crucial to remember that our nation has faced and overcome many challenges throughout its history. We must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting our critical infrastructure from all forms of terrorism. The resilience and strength of the American people will always prevail against those who seek to harm our way of life.
