Internal documents reveal US law enforcement agencies are tracking how generative AI aids terror plots while simultaneously monitoring extremist threats against AI infrastructure and datacenters.

US law enforcement agencies are increasingly concerned that generative AI is being used by bad actors to plan violent attacks, according to internal documents reviewed by the Guardian. Agencies including the FBI and DHS are also monitoring extremist groups that target AI datacenters and infrastructure. These concerns have grown as intelligence reports indicate that malicious actors are successfully bypassing AI safety guardrails to access dangerous information.

AI as a Tool for Attack Planning

Law enforcement documents highlight a May 2025 incident in Palm Springs where a man used a generative AI tool to obtain bomb-making instructions before detonating a car bomb. Officials note that privacy features in AI chatbots have hindered efforts to detect such requests. Agencies warn that extremists are increasingly using these tools to generate propaganda, recruit members, and facilitate attacks, often by jailbreaking built-in safety measures.

Extremist Threats to AI Infrastructure

Beyond AI's use as a tool, agencies are tracking threats from far-right militias and anti-tech extremists against datacenters. Intelligence reports indicate that some groups view these facilities as symbols of societal control and have discussed arson or bombing attacks. While law enforcement has long monitored such threats, concerns have intensified as anti-datacenter sentiment has become more mainstream, leading to debates over whether agencies are overstepping by monitoring nonviolent protests.