Newark, N.J. – The grim news from the District of New Jersey is that Andrew Takhistov, 18, from East Brunswick, has been charged with soliciting destruction of energy facilities. This young man’s alleged plot to sabotage power grids was aimed at causing widespread chaos during a severe heat wave.
Takhistov was nabbed on July 10th and appeared in court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre, where he was detained.
“Andrew Takhistov was arrested while en route to Ukraine to join the Russian Volunteer Corps,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “He planned to destroy an electrical substation in the U.S. to further his white supremacist beliefs.” The Attorney General praised the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their role in disrupting this dangerous plot.
“The defendant’s posts mentioned Adolf Hitler, encouraged violence against Black and Jewish communities, and praised mass shooters,” Garland continued. “We will not tolerate these terroristic threats and will bring those who attempt such acts to justice.”
FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy echoed the sentiment: “Takhistov’s plan to travel overseas to learn how to destroy power grids is chilling. His actions were inspired by racially motivated violent extremism, aiming to disrupt our lives and save many from life-threatening emergencies.”
NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban added, “The defendant exemplifies the threat posed by racially and ethnically motivated violent extremism. The NYPD will remain relentless in identifying and inhibiting anyone who plots terroristic acts.”
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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