The mother of viral inventor Julian Brown has confirmed her son is safe after the 21-year-old’s cryptic social media posts warning he was “under attack” sparked widespread fears for his safety amongst his 1.7 million followers.
Nia Brown told multiple outlets on Monday that whilst Julian is safe, she cannot provide further details “in the best interest of his security.” Atlanta Police Department confirmed they are not currently investigating any missing persons cases matching Brown’s name, effectively ending speculation about his disappearance.
The young inventor from metro Atlanta gained international attention for his creation ‘Plastoline,’ a device he claims can convert plastic waste into usable fuels including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel using microwave pyrolysis technology.
Cryptic Final Posts
Brown’s last social media activity on 9 July included a disturbing video where he told followers: “I can’t go into too much detail, but there is some very, very odd stuff going on. I’m certainly under attack right now.” The video’s caption read: “Something is happening, keep me in your prayers please. SCREEN RECORD THIS. I don’t know.”
Days earlier, on 3 July, Brown had posted about a “SECRET Helicopter” that had circled him “in the middle of NOWHERE,” adding to growing concerns amongst his followers about his safety.
The combination of these cryptic warnings and his subsequent two-week silence from social media platforms triggered a viral missing persons campaign, with hashtags like #WheresJulianBrown trending across multiple platforms.
“I just want everybody to know to just kind of have your eyes open, and I have my eyes open, but there’s a lot going on,” Brown said in his final video. “So I’m still working, I’m still building. Nothing’s going to stop that, but I’m just telling you guys right now, be on the lookout because I’m under attack.”
Revolutionary Invention
Brown rose to prominence through viral videos demonstrating his Plastoline invention, which he began developing whilst still in secondary school. The self-taught inventor, who learned welding at age 17, spent five years perfecting the technology that he claims can transform non-recyclable plastic waste into clean-burning fuel.
“Turning plastic to fuel with reactors has been done before, however I have been working to innovate utilising microwaves to turn plastic into fuel,” Brown explained in a November 2024 interview with Canvas Rebel magazine. “To date, there is a very niche application of microwave pyrolysis technology at any industrial and continuous operation scales – that is my goal and mission.”
The technology works by heating plastic waste in the absence of oxygen, breaking down the chemical bonds to produce liquid fuel. Brown’s recycled diesel was tested at ASAP Labs in Washington earlier in 2025, where it was reportedly confirmed to burn cleaner than conventional diesel.
Brown, who operates under the brand name NatureJab, had been named a 776 Foundation Climate Fellow and was actively raising funds through GoFundMe to scale up his invention. His latest crowdfunding campaign aimed to raise $1 million (£775,000) for a full-scale solar-powered version of his microwave pyrolysis system, though it had only raised approximately $30,000 (£23,250) at the time of his disappearance.
Safety Concerns and Past Incidents
The inventor’s safety concerns were not without precedent. In 2024, Brown sustained second-degree burns requiring surgery after an explosion whilst working on his Plastoline device. He later shared safety advice with his followers based on this experience.
“Last year, I got into an explosion and was hospitalised and suffered 2nd degree burns requiring burn surgery,” Brown wrote on his GoFundMe page. “At the same time, I had to find a new safe plot of land to move my operations to.”
His work had attracted significant attention, including a $100,000 (£77,500) donation from Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, husband of tennis star Serena Williams. However, the disruptive potential of his technology – which could theoretically impact both the petroleum and waste management industries – led many followers to speculate about corporate or governmental interference in his disappearance.
Online Speculation and Response
During Brown’s two-week absence, social media erupted with theories about his whereabouts. Many followers believed he had been targeted due to his invention’s potential to disrupt established industries. Others pointed to his previous mentions of surveillance, including claims about unmarked helicopters circling his property.
“He warned us that they were going to try to kill him,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter), whilst another wrote: “He filmed a helicopter circling him in the middle of nowhere—no flight logs. No ID. Just a spotlight. Now he’s gone.”
The speculation reached such intensity that users began tagging FBI officials and calling for federal investigations. However, no evidence has emerged to support claims of foul play or corporate interference.
Environmental Impact and Legacy
Brown’s story highlighted broader issues about innovation in environmental technology and the challenges faced by independent inventors. His work addressed two critical global problems: plastic pollution and sustainable energy production.
“As long as I’m around there will be no such thing as plastic waste—only untapped energy,” Brown once stated, encapsulating his vision for transforming environmental liabilities into assets.
The inventor had spoken passionately about his mission since childhood. “When I was five years old, I told my mom that I was gonna create something that would change the world,” he recalled in a March 2025 interview with Bold Journey.
Current Status
Whilst Brown’s mother has confirmed he is safe, questions remain about the circumstances that led to his cryptic warnings and subsequent withdrawal from public view. Atlanta Police’s statement that they are not investigating a missing person case suggests Brown may have chosen to step back from social media voluntarily, possibly due to the security concerns he expressed.
The incident has raised important questions about the pressures faced by young innovators, particularly those working on potentially disruptive technologies outside traditional corporate or academic structures. Brown’s experience also highlights the vulnerability of independent inventors who gain viral fame whilst developing technologies that could challenge established industries.
As of Monday evening, Brown had not returned to social media or provided any public explanation for his absence. His GoFundMe campaign remains active, and supporters continue to express hope that he will eventually return to continue his work on sustainable fuel technology.
The case serves as a reminder of the complex intersection between social media fame, technological innovation, and personal safety in an increasingly connected world where viral inventors can quickly find themselves at the centre of intense public scrutiny and speculation.
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