FBI Arrests Man Who Tried to Blow Up the Internet

The internet is a vast and seemingly endless sea of information that is vital to the world its users live in every day, especially during a global pandemic that increased its usage to above-average levels. Over the past year alone, the number of users skyrocketed according to various internet providers across the United States, further emphasizing the importance of the internet.

Oftentimes, there are internet users who strive on nefarious things to hinder the experience for many users online, usually relying on the usage of cheating to win. As online games reach a boon to their popularity, some hackers use tactics like DDoS attacks, disabling online servers in the process. In terms of disabling online servers, one person decided to be a bit creative opting for a more explosive approach.

Seth Aaron Pendley, age 28, was apprehended by the police Thursday for allegedly attempting to procure explosives with the intent of destroying an AWS data center building. This particular data center, according to the Texan, was targetted because it housed "70% of the internet" that he threatened to effectively "kill." Pendley's plans were foiled when a user sent a tip to the FBI that a user by the screen name "Dionysus" posted on MyMilitia.com that he was planning to conduct "a little experiment" that would result in possible "death."

The attack was planned as early as late January when Pendley used the encrypted messenger app, Signal, to communicate with a potential explosives supplier for some C4 explosives. In late March, Pendley came in contact with the supplier who turned out to be an undercover FBI agent. On April 8th, immediately after the exchange was made, the agent made the arrest, taking Pendley into custody.

Pendley's reasoning for wanting to "kill the internet," aside from doing it for kicks, was to attack the web servers that he perceived as supporting several federal agencies. His goal was to bring down the "oligarchy currently in power in the United States," effectively ruining millions of innocent internet users in the process of his crusade.

What's more interesting about the arrest is that Pendley was linked to the infamous Capitol attack that transpired in January. While he didn't "storm the Capitol," he boasted on Facebook that he was within the vicinity, swiping a piece of broken glass and engaging with police. He also bragged that he brought a sawed-off AR rifle to D.C, but he left the weapon in his car during the Capitol raid.

As part of a major spending proposal, the Biden Administration is making plans to bring broadband internet access to all Americans. The idea comes as part of a larger spending initiative, called the American Jobs Plan.

As it currently stands about 35 percent (over 30 million) US citizens throughout the country are without access to what is deemed as "minimally acceptable speeds." Should the Biden Administration's plan move forward, the country will have a fully-fledged modern internet infrastructure in place.

In a statement from the White House, broadband internet is posited as "the new electricity." It goes on to explain how modern internet is a necessary component for Americans to do their jobs, equally participate in school learning, healthcare, and generally staying connected. The need for fast and reliable internet connections has become especially prevalent over the course of the past year, when many companies including gaming giant Square Enix shifted to a work-from-home model in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Biden plan proposes to invest $100 billion into the endeavor, prioritizing the support for networks operated by the government, cooperatives, and non-profits in order to "better promote competition."