Neo-Nazi leader found guilty of plotting Maryland power grid attack

A man was found guilty of conspiracy to damage an energy facility after officials say he planned to attack transformers inside Maryland electrical substations and cause a “cascading failure” in the name of white supremacy.

A federal jury found 29-year-old Brandon Russell of Orlando, Florida, guilty after a six-day trial, the U.S. Attorney's Office in the District of Maryland announced Monday.

According to court documents obtained by USA TODAY, Russell admitted to having “National Socialist,” or Nazi, beliefs and previously started his own national socialist group that targets racial minorities, the Jewish community, the LGBTQIA community, the U.S. government, journalists and critical infrastructure.

Officials said that between November 2022 and February 3, 2023, Russell planned to attack “critical infrastructure” such as transformers located within electrical substations. Officials said he made the plans due to racist and “violent extremist beliefs.”

While planning the attacks on the transformers, Russell allegedly noted that just a few attacks could lead to “cascading failure.”

A lawyer for Russell declined to comment Tuesday morning.