Two Charged With Conspiring to Destroy MD Energy Plants

Justice Department charges two with conspiracy to damage energy facilities in Baltimore.

(Monday, February 6, 2023) – The U.S. Justice Department has charged two people with conspiracy alleging the pair was preparing a racist inspired plan to shoot multiple electrical substations in Maryland.

The DOJ unveiled the scheme today in announcing the arrests of Sarah Beth Clendaniel of Catonsville, Maryland and Brandon Clint Russell of Orlando, Florida.  Authorities say the plot was driven by ethnically or racially motivated extremist beliefs.

The individuals “conspired and took steps to shoot multiple electrical substations” in the Baltimore area, said U.S. Attorney Maryland Erek Barron.  The announcement was made at a press conference.