A Tennessee man faces terrorism charges after allegedly plotting to destroy an Elon Musk xAI facility while citing grievances against the billionaire and former President Donald Trump. Ethan Paul Early, 25, was arrested February 20 following a tip from a concerned friend who reported his plans to use thermite against a Memphis data center.
Court documents reveal Early purchased materials to create thermite, a compound generating extreme heat capable of melting steel. 'The Defendant admitted he felt compelled to act due to political frustrations,' states the affidavit. Authorities confirm Early abandoned the plan after friends intervened, though he remains jailed on $500,000 bond.
'I went too far down the deep end with politics,' Early told officers, according to court records. 'I’m ashamed I got so carried away.'
The case highlights three critical elements:
- Targeted infrastructure: xAI’s Memphis supercomputer, critical to AI development
- Political motivations: Unspecified grievances against Musk and Trump
- Weaponization attempt: Acquisition of thermite components
Musk’s xAI corporation confirmed its Memphis operations power advanced AI research. The facility’s location—200 miles from Early’s Ashland City home—raises questions about target selection. Local law enforcement emphasized the severity of threats against critical tech infrastructure amid rising political extremism.
Legal experts note Tennessee’s strict anti-terrorism statutes carry 15-60 year sentences for conviction. Prosecutors have not disclosed whether Early’s actions connect to broader extremist networks. The Department of Government Efficiency, where Musk advises on federal streamlining efforts, declined to comment.
This incident follows increased scrutiny of AI security protocols nationwide. Industry analysts warn that ‘high-profile tech leaders’ facilities face growing targeting risks from ideologically motivated actors. Memphis officials confirm enhanced xAI facility protections since the arrest.