When ten suitcase-size nuclear weapons are stolen from the U.S. stockpile, the American President suspects terrorists are involved. He also thinks U.S. rogue government agents are colluding with the terrorists. Not knowing who to trust, he turns to his secret, hand-picked team to hunt down and catch the conspirators. On the team are former Special Forces commander John (J.T.) Ryan, FBI Assistant Director Erin Welch, and CIA agent Rachel West. Suddenly, one of the nuclear devices is detonated in a rural area of Pennsylvania. Although the explosion kills few people, it causes a massive Electronic Magnetic Pulse. The EMP knocks out all data transmission for hundreds of miles - television, telephone, internet, cell phones, 911 communication, and electronic banking cease completely. The information shutdown causes panic among the population in Philadelphia and nearby cities. As Ryan and the team race against time to find the terrorists, the trail leads them to a sinister group of Russians. Can Ryan, Erin, and Rachel stop the conspiracy before the U.S.'s nationwide communication system is destroyed and the country collapses into chaos?