Trial Begins for Neo-Nazi Leader Accused of Plotting Power Grid Attack

The trial of Brandon Russell, the 29-year-old co-founder of the neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Division, began Tuesday in a federal courtroom in Baltimore. Prosecutors allege Russell conspired with his former girlfriend, Sarah Beth Clendaniel, to sabotage Maryland’s power grid as part of a white supremacist plot to incite chaos and racial violence.

The trial, expected to last two weeks, will determine whether Russell played an active role in the scheme or, as his defense argues, was merely a bystander with extreme views.

Prosecutors: Russell Plotted “Sniper Attacks” on Power Grid

During opening arguments, federal prosecutor Michael Aubin said Russell encouraged Clendaniel to carry out a series of coordinated sniper attacks on electrical substations in Baltimore. The goal, prosecutors claim, was to disrupt power in the predominantly Black city and further a race war.

“Mr. Russell was at war. He was at war for his race, the white race,” Aubin told jurors.

Russell and Clendaniel were arrested in February 2023 before any attacks took place. Clendaniel, 36, pleaded guilty to her role in the plot and was sentenced in September to 18 years in prison.

Defense Calls Case a “Setup”

Russell’s defense attorney, Ian Goldstein, countered that his client’s involvement was minimal and accused the government of exaggerating his role. He suggested the plot was primarily orchestrated by Clendaniel and a confidential informant.

“We don’t put people in jail for their beliefs or the things they say,” Goldstein told the jury, though he admitted Russell’s white supremacist ideology was “repulsive to most people.”

Russell, wearing a light blue jacket and glasses, appeared engaged in court, frequently conferring with his lawyer.

From Tampa Tragedy to Federal Investigation

Russell first came to law enforcement’s attention in 2017 when police responded to a double homicide at his Tampa apartment. Two of his roommates had been shot and killed by a third, Devon Arthurs, who later claimed he did so to prevent a terrorist attack by Atomwaffen.

While police found no evidence linking Russell to the murders, they discovered a stash of explosives, neo-Nazi literature, and a framed photo of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh in his room. Russell, who was serving in the Florida National Guard at the time, was convicted in 2018 of possessing an unregistered destructive device and improper storage of explosive materials. He served five years in prison.

A Troubled Relationship Leads to a Terror Plot

Russell and Clendaniel began exchanging letters while incarcerated, forming a romantic relationship that continued after their release. According to prosecutors, the two shared extremist views and discussed plans for violent action.

Clendaniel, who struggled with addiction and had a history of abuse, spent hours on the phone with a confidential informant detailing how she would acquire a firearm and attack five substations around Baltimore. Prosecutors say Russell encouraged her to follow through.

During her sentencing, Clendaniel confirmed her ideological beliefs, stating, “It’s true, your honor, I do still hold National Socialist beliefs.” However, she claimed she never intended to act on them.