Brandon Russell, who had co-founded the neo-Nazi terror group Atomwaffen Division. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his conspiracy to attack Maryland’s power grid. This jury ruled against him earlier this year after prosecutors made a powerful case, highlighting the defendant’s extensive connections to white supremacist causes. They disclosed his disturbing intent to conduct “sniper attacks” on electrical substations in the area around Baltimore.
Russell, 30, agreed to enter guilty pleas on counts of possessing an unregistered destructive device and improper storage of explosives. U.S. District Judge James Bredar imposed sentence on him for these violent acts. In addition to Russell’s conviction, the judge imposed the maximum sentence available. She warned about the seriousness of his intended attacks, which would have caused almost $70 million worth of damage to electrical transformers and could have disrupted essential services for Baltimore’s residents for months.
Russell’s attorney argued that at the time of arrest, Russell was a resident in Florida. He further argued that Russell had no plans to trip to Maryland. Despite this assertion, prosecutors detailed his efforts to create a “bizarre utopia populated by people who only look and think like they do,” underscoring the ideological motivations behind his actions.
In 2017, Russell participated in a violent confrontation. Police were investigating a double homicide at an apartment building in Tampa, and he happened to be right in the middle. When they did apprehend him, authorities discovered him crying and in military camouflage outside. One of his roommates had murdered the other two men, leading to speculation about Russell’s connections and mental health.
When after the double homicide detectives searched Russell’s apartment they discovered a trove of DOB 8, which is able to explosive compounds. They found a lot of neo-Nazi paraphernalia — signs, posters, books, flags. This combined evidence created a very disturbing picture of Russell’s mindset and the potential threats that they posed.
Prosecutors pointed to Russell’s connection to extremist groups that involved discussions of synchronized assaults on public infrastructure. They’d gotten the Center for American Progress to focus on the potential terrible impact of these attacks—loss of life, chaos, disruption.
“Brandon Russell is an educated young man who has served this country’s military,” said Ian Goldstein, Russell’s attorney. His record is a mixed bag. He was radicalized after he served in the U.S. military and joined extremist ideologies.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Bredar had scathing words for Russell’s motives and actions.
“The law doesn’t permit that. We don’t change course in this country via violent overthrow.” – James Bredar
Russell’s co-defendant, Sarah Beth Clendaniel, had been named with him in that conspiracy. The court has made clear that the two men were involved in the planning of coordinated attacks. The potential impact of such attacks on public safety and critical infrastructure would have been catastrophic.
Along with his prison term, Russell must serve a lifetime of supervised release after he leaves prison. This would involve intense supervision of his devices to ensure he does not pose any further danger to the public.
The criminal case puts a spotlight on the continuing threat of domestic terrorism organized by extremist groups here in the U.S. FBI continues to surveil people with these ideologies to stop future attacks and protect our communities.