Investigating a Domestic Strike: Inside the Texas Operation That Took Down Multiple 5G Towers

Change Agents with Andy Stumpf

IRONCLAD

Society & Culture

4.9 • 648 Ratings

🗓️ 15 October 2025

⏱️ 61 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

On today’s episode, Andy talks with journalist Brendan Koerner about the case of Sean Aaron Smith — a 27-year-old from Texas who set fire to 22 cell towers between 2021 and 2022. Believing 5G technology was part of a global mind-control plot, Smith’s actions were driven by conspiracy theories spread through podcasts, social media, and online communities. Brendan breaks down how misinformation and isolation led to one of the most unusual domestic terrorism cases in recent years, and what it reveals about the evolving nature of radicalization in the digital age. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. TacPack Visit http://www.TacPack.com and use code IRONCLAD at checkout to get a free $70 tactical gift DeleteMe Go to https://www.joindeleteme.com/IRONCLAD and use coupon code IRONCLAD, or scan the QR code Marek Health Take control of your health today! Head to https://www.MarekHealth.com and use code FOCALPOINT for 10% off at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	Ready to launch your business? Get started with the commerce platform made for entrepreneurs.
0:04.8	Shopify is specially designed to help you start, run and grow your business with easy customizable themes that let you build your brand.
0:12.4	Marketing tools that get your products out there. Integrated shipping solutions that actually save you time.
0:17.4	From startups to scaleups, online, in person and on the go Shopify is made for
0:22.8	entrepreneurs like you sign up for your one dollar a month trial at shopify.com
0:27.7	slash setup it starts with a swell rich warming pumpkin spice flavors then a splash
0:35.4	hot freshly pulled espresso.
0:38.4	Starbucks signature, of course.
0:40.3	Whipped cream topping, a dusting of that cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove spice blend.
0:46.4	It ends with a sip.
0:48.1	Hot or iced.
0:50.0	Pumpkin spice latte.
0:51.9	It's here.
0:52.8	And pouring now at Starbucks near you.
0:55.5	Hey, what can I get started for you? Subject to availability while stocks last.
1:01.0	And so she really wanted to do something about this. He was someone directionless, had lost everything, needed a purpose in life.
1:09.9	And he latched onto, I'm going to become a hero of this movement.
1:14.5	I'm going to go out and physically attack 5G tower in Texas.
1:20.1	And so he started torching them.
1:38.4	Ladies. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Change Agents in Iron Cloud Original, brought to you by our spicy friends at Firecracker Farm.
1:44.7	Today we're going to be talking about inside attacks on 5G towers, not only here in the United States, but also globally.
1:49.9	My guest today is Brendan Kerner. Brendan is an American author and journalist, currently a contributing editor at Wired. He writes in-depth stories on topics including criminal justice,
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from IRONCLAD, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of IRONCLAD and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.