Sarah Beth Clendaniel of Catonsville, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy and firearms charges related to her involvement in a plot to attack several electrical facilities in Maryland, posing a threat to thousands of lives. Clendaniel faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy charge and 15 years on the felon in possession charge, followed by a potential lifetime of supervised release.

Plot Details and Ideology

Clendaniel, along with Brandon C. Russell, a Florida resident, subscribed to a white supremacist ideology and advocated for accelerationism. This belief system promotes violent actions to hasten societal collapse, deeming the current political system irreparable.

Court documents reveal that Clendaniel and Russell conspired to damage energy facilities involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity, aiming to disrupt the Baltimore regional power grid. Their plans included targeting substations vital to energy distribution.

Planning and Communication

The conspirators communicated their plans via encrypted communication applications, discussing targets and logistics with a confidential human source (CHS-1). Clendaniel expressed her determination to carry out the attacks, even requesting CHS-1 to purchase a rifle for her.

In January 2023, Clendaniel identified potential locations for the attack, emphasizing the need to maximize damage to completely destroy the city of Baltimore. She provided specific details, including target locations and methods to ensure a significant impact.

Law Enforcement Intervention

Law enforcement agencies intervened on February 3, 2023, executing a search warrant at Clendaniel’s residence and recovering firearms and ammunition. Clendaniel’s prior felony convictions prohibited her from possessing these items, underscoring the seriousness of her involvement in the plot.

FBI Response and Conclusion

U.S. Attorney Barron emphasized the threat posed by Clendaniel’s plans, highlighting the collaborative efforts between law enforcement and communities to thwart such hate-fueled acts. Special Agent in Charge DelBagno reiterated the FBI’s commitment to holding individuals like Clendaniel accountable for their actions.

The case underscores the importance of vigilance in preventing domestic terrorism and the critical role of law enforcement in safeguarding public safety. As the sentencing approaches, the focus remains on ensuring justice and deterring future acts of violence.

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