BALTIMORE -- Brandon Russell, co-founder of the notorious Atomwaffen Division, was convicted on Monday of plotting to attack Maryland’s power grid, with prosecutors detailing the chilling conspiracy aimed at inciting chaos within the majority-Black city of Baltimore. The 29-year-old Florida resident was found guilty of conspiracy to damage an energy facility, following testimony about his collaboration with former girlfriend Sarah Beth Clendaniel.
Federal prosecutors stated Russell encouraged Clendaniel, 36, to execute sniper attacks on electrical substations surrounding Baltimore. Their objective, according to authorities, was to create significant disruption, potentially affecting thousands. "This plot could have caused catastrophic damage," said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron. "Hate-fueled violence has no place in our society." The jury deliberated for less than one hour before reaching their verdict.
Their conspiracy came to light when authorities arrested Russell and Clendaniel in February 2023, prior to any attacks being carried out. Court records indicate the duo planned to hit multiple substations—Reisterstown, Perry Hall, and White Marsh were discussed targets—with the hopes of initiating cascading failures across the power grid. Clendaniel expressed her belief during planning discussions, stating, "If we hit these substations all at once, we would completely destroy this whole city. It would probably permanently lay this city to waste if we could do it successfully."
Russell's background is equally concerning; he is not new to legal troubles. He previously pleaded guilty to possessing explosive materials following a 2017 incident where police found him with bomb-making components and neo-Nazi propaganda, including chilling flyers with messages like, "Don’t prepare for exams; prepare for a race war." Russell’s neo-Nazi affiliations and his radical ideology fueled the current conspiracy, which the prosecution argued aimed at igniting racial violence within the community.
Details of Russell’s communications during the conspiracy emerged through testimony, including evidence from recorded phone calls. Prosecutors highlighted his role as the mastermind of the plan, as he attempted to acquire firearms for Clendaniel and organized plans to keep their actions secret. "He was the team leader taking care of his warrior," said prosecutor Joseph Baldwin, emphasizing Russell's influential position within their plot. Baldwin portrayed Russell as orchestrator of violence from afar, comparing him to military commanders directing operations from safe distances.
Russell's defense attorney Ian Goldstein contested these claims, arguing his client had no intention of traveling to Maryland to aid Clendaniel. Goldstein described Russell as merely supportive, minimizing his role by likening him to someone cheering on events from the sidelines rather than being directly involved. "He was just a cheerleader, and as terrible as it is, that's not illegal," he stated. Goldstein insisted there was no solid evidence proving Russell agreed to actively participate in the conspiracy.
The judge, U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar, told the jury they needed to conclude Russell had engaged or assisted with knowledge of the conspiracy’s objectives for a guilty verdict. This tricky legal standard led to heated interpretations of Russell’s actions and intentions during the trial. His prior troubled history, including his incarceration and purported romantic relationship with Clendaniel, added layers to the case.
Following the verdict, Russell faces up to 20 years behind bars, though sentencing dates have yet to be set. Meanwhile, Clendaniel, who pleaded guilty to her role in the plot earlier this year, was recently sentenced to 18 years in prison for her involvement. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement and intelligence agencies to infiltrate and combat extremist groups came under scrutiny throughout the case, emphasizing the dangers posed by similar ideologies.
This recent conviction spotlights not only the terrifying potential of domestic terrorism plots but also the growing concern around hate-driven ideologies gaining traction. Officials indicate renewed focus will be placed on monitoring such extremist groups, especially as they circumvent traditional avenues of communication with digital platforms.