OAK RIDGE (WATE) - Three people are accused of vandalizing property early Saturday morning at the Y-12 National Security Complex, according to a U.S. Department of Energy release.
National Nuclear Security Administration spokesman Steven Wyatt said three individuals were detained just after 4:30 a.m. Saturday for "trespassing and defacing" a building.
Wyatt said area law enforcement were notified, and the accused individuals were taken to "a local facility." Wyatt could not confirm specifically where the individuals were transported.
They are formally charged with Federal trespassing, Wyatt said.
The release states an investigation into the matter is currently underway, led by the Department of Energy Inspector General.
Wyatt said an initial investigation shows the individuals may have been linked to some sort of protest operation. He added that all nuclear material is "safe and secure."
The Department of Energy announced Friday plans to rebuild the sites uranium processing facility. The current facility was built in 1945.
The project is expected to cost between $4 and $6.5 billion, possibly making it the biggest construction project in Tennessee's history.
Protesters at the Y-12 National Security Complex.
Michael Walli (Source: Blount County Sheriff's Office)
Greg Boertje-Obed (Source: Blount County Sheriff's Office)
Megan Rice (Source: Blount County Sheriff's Office)
