Woman plotted with neo-Nazi to attack power grid, feds say

Feb 07, 20230

Karl B DeBlaker, Associated Press count

Workers work on equipment at the West End Substation, at 6910 NC Hwy 211 in West End, N.C., Dec. 5, 2022, where a serious attack on critical infrastructure has caused a power outage to many people around Southern Pines, N.C.

BALTIMORE - A Maryland woman spent months conspiring with a neo-Nazi leader based in Florida to plan an attack on Baltimore's power grid, hoping to further their racist mission, law enforcement officials said Monday.

The plan was thwarted when both suspects were arrested last week, adding to a growing list of similar cases as authorities warn the American electrical grid could be a vulnerable target for domestic terrorists.

Sarah Beth Clendaniel, 34, was working with Brandon Russell, who founded a small Florida-based neo-Nazi group, to plan a series of "sniper attacks" on Maryland electrical substations, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Monday. The document also included a photo of a woman authorities identified as Clendaniel wearing tactical gear that bore a swastika and holding a rifle.

https://www.startribune.com/woman-plotted-with-neo-nazi-to-attack-power-grid-feds-say/600249482/