A federal jury in Baltimore has found Brandon Russell, a 29-year-old from Orlando, Florida, guilty of conspiracy to damage an energy facility. The verdict was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, and William J. DelBagno, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Baltimore Field Office.
"Hate-fueled violence has no place in a civilized society," stated Barron. "Brandon Russell went well beyond his First Amendment rights, orchestrating a terrorist plot that would have harmed thousands of innocent people."
DelBagno added, "Brandon Russell, a self-proclaimed National Socialist, conspired to 'lay waste to the city of Baltimore’ through violence and destruction of critical infrastructure. Today's verdict reinforces there is no tolerance for those who seek to harm our communities and use violence to further hate-filled beliefs."
Evidence presented during the trial showed that from November 2022 to February 3, 2023, Russell conspired to attack electrical substations as part of his racially or ethnically motivated extremist beliefs. He shared maps showing substation locations and discussed how simultaneous attacks could cause widespread power failures.
Russell recruited Sarah Beth Clendaniel from Maryland to execute these attacks targeting Baltimore's power grid. They planned significant disruptions with potential monetary losses exceeding $75 million. Clendaniel identified five substations for attack and expressed confidence that their plan could "completely destroy this whole city."
Russell now faces up to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy charges. Senior U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar will determine his sentence at a later date.
Previously sentenced on September 25, 2024, Clendaniel received an 18-year prison term followed by supervised release for her role in the conspiracy and additional charges related to firearm possession.
U.S. Attorney Barron commended the efforts of various law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office or to report hate crimes in Maryland, visit their website or contact the FBI Baltimore field office.
