“SOMETHING IS HAPPENING”….YOUNG INVENTOR GOES UNDERGROUND AMID SAFETY CONCERNS
Inventor Julian Brown vanished after cryptic warnings about threats to his safety; family confirms he is alive but in hiding amid online speculation and concern. Subtitles
THE BACKROOM FILES
“SOMETHING IS HAPPENING”….YOUNG INVENTOR GOES UNDERGROUND AMID SAFETY CONCERNS
Julian Brown, a 21-year-old independent inventor and climate innovator from the Atlanta metropolitan area, had been presumed missing since early July 9, 2025, sparking widespread concern among his followers and supporters. Known for creating “Plastoline,” a device that recycles plastic waste into usable fuels like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel through a solar-powered microwave pyrolysis process, Brown attracted more than 1.7 million followers on social media. He also launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise $1 million to fund his project “Plastic to Fuel - Together We Will Heal Earth,” though it had raised just over $18,200 as of late July.
Brown’s disappearance came shortly after he posted a cryptic and alarming video on July 9, warning his followers that he was “certainly under attack” and urging them to “keep their eyes open” while stating he could not reveal full details for safety reasons. In the video, Brown was seen fleeing in a vehicle, and he wrote,
“Something is happening, keep me in your prayers please. SCREEN RECORD THIS. I don’t know”
… words that have intensified speculation about his safety and the possible threats he might face because of his groundbreaking invention.
Since that post, Brown has not been heard from on social media, fueling concerns that he might be hiding, under threat, or worse. His disappearance has drawn significant attention on social media platforms, where hashtags like #WheresJulianBrown have trended, with many questioning whether his invention made him a target and reflecting on a worrying pattern involving missing Black inventors working on alternative energy.
Brown’s mother, Nia Brown, has confirmed that Julian is safe but has refused to disclose his location or further details, citing security concerns. She urged the public to respect his privacy and protect his safety by not spreading unfounded speculation. This confirmation has somewhat reassured his supporters, but his continued absence from the public eye leaves the situation unresolved.
As far as the facts go, there is no official missing persons report filed for Julian Brown. Both his mother, Nia Brown, and the Atlanta Police Department have confirmed that he is safe and not currently considered missing. The Atlanta Police have stated they are not investigating any missing persons case under his name. His absence has caused concern among followers, but authorities say there is no active missing person investigation regarding him at this time
Julian Brown’s case highlights not only the vulnerabilities faced by young inventors trying to innovate in disruptive industries but also the mystery and concerns that arise when such a promising figure suddenly disappears. As of now, authorities and supporters continue to seek information about his whereabouts, and the conversation around his disappearance remains active online, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety and support of visionary innovators like Brown.
This unfolding story underlines the significance of Julian Brown’s work in plastic waste conversion and the challenges young inventors face beyond their laboratories.