Neo-Nazi leader on trial in Maryland for alleged terrorist plot to destroy Baltimore-area power grid

A Florida man is heading to trial in Maryland on Monday for an alleged terrorist plot to destroy the power grid in the Baltimore region.

The trial began with jury selection. On Monday, more than 27 jurors were chosen to sit on the 36-member body. Court is adjourned until Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 9:15 a.m.

According to court documents, Brandon Clint Russell of Orlando, Fla., planned to carry out attacks against electrical substations between 2022 and 2023 in furtherance of his neo-Nazi beliefs.

Russell encouraged using Mylar or foil balloons to short out a power transformer. Court documents show that on Oct. 25, 2022, he encouraged an attack to be carried out “when there is greatest strain on the grid,” like “when everyone is using electricity to either heat or cool their homes.”

Read more: CBS News