An Ashland City man has been accused of making threats to burn down an AI facility in Memphis, according to an arrest affidavit. Authorities say 25-year-old Ethan Paul Early made statements about using thermite to destroy a data center linked to Elon Musk.
On February 19, an Ashland City Police Officer received a call from an individual concerned about comments made by Early. The caller reported that Early was upset with Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump and had expressed intentions to set fire to one of Musk’s data centers. The caller further stated that Early claimed to have already started purchasing materials necessary to make thermite, a substance capable of producing extremely high temperatures.
According to the affidavit, the caller was able to convince Early not to proceed with the plan and that he had discarded the materials he had gathered. When officers responded to Early’s residence to question him about the allegations, he admitted to making statements about burning something down and acknowledged his frustration with Musk and Trump.
During the questioning, Early allegedly admitted to researching thermite and considering its use on an AI facility in Memphis. He also told officers that he had purchased iron oxide and aluminum powder, two key ingredients for thermite. However, he claimed he had abandoned the plan after being persuaded by friends not to go through with it.
Early reportedly expressed regret over his actions, stating that he had become too involved in political matters and felt like he had gone too far. He admitted that he initially felt compelled to take action but later recognized that he had lost control of his emotions.
On February 20, Early was arrested and charged with an act of terrorism. His bail was set at $500,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court on March 12.
