Federal authorities claim that the woman from Florida consulted ChatGPT on escape plans just after her brother allegedly placed an undetonated explosive device outside a large U.S. military facility.
Alen Zheng, 20, and his sister Ann Mary Zheng, 27, both U.S. citizens from Land O’Lakes near Tampa, face severe federal charges after the alleged offense outside MacDill Air Force Base, which is the headquarters of the U.S. Central Command.
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In the evening of March 10, 2026, Alen Zheng allegedly placed a primitive IED in a secluded area near the base’s visitor center near the Dale Mabry Gate. Zheng ignited the fuse; however, it did not detonate. Shortly after, Zheng contacted the 911 emergency service and told them about the presence of the IED at the base; however, he did not reveal the location of the IED. The IED was kept in the secluded area until it was discovered by an Air Force member on March 16 during a sweep of the base. The FBI picked up the IED and took it to Huntsville, Alabama, for testing. No one was hurt.
Timeline of Events
March 10: Device placed and 911 call made.
March 11: The siblings sold and thoroughly cleaned their 2010 black Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 SUV the vehicle used to transport the device at CarMax. That same day, Ann Mary Zheng queried ChatGPT about Chinese visas, power of attorney for property transfers, schools in China, and whether the Mercedes could be tracked.
March 12: Both flew to China.
March 16: IED discovered.
March 17: Ann Mary returned to the U.S. and was arrested in Detroit.
March 18: FBI agents searched the family home in Land O’Lakes and found explosive components matching the device.
The FBI and Justice Department say traces of explosives were found in the Mercedes. Court records confirm the device was functional but failed to detonate. Prosecutors describe it as potentially “very deadly” with better planning. Both suspects had no prior criminal history in Florida. Their parents, who are Chinese immigrants facing deportation proceedings for overstaying visas, were not charged in the bomb plot.
Alen Zheng is accused of three counts: attempted damage or destruction of government property by fire or explosion, illegal making of a destructive device, and possession of an unregistered destructive device. He could get up to 40 years. Ann Mary Zheng faces accessory after the fact and evidence tampering charges. She could get up to 30 years.
Prosecutors told a federal judge that Ann Mary Zheng used ChatGPT on March 11 the day after the incident to research long-term plans for her brother in China. The queries covered visas, property transfers, and schools. She also helped sell and clean the SUV. In a March 31 detention hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Stoia said Ann Mary
“took all of these steps to get her brother to a place without an extradition treaty.”
The defense noted she voluntarily returned to the U.S.
The device was not made with ChatGPT technology, nor was it planned for placement with it, according to all available court filings.
The motive for the incident is still unknown. No evidence has been found connecting the two siblings with any foreign government. Alen Zheng is still in China, and the U.S. is considering ways to bring him back. No treaty has been made for his extradition. Ann Mary Zheng is still in federal custody in Florida, awaiting a decision on bond. This case is still active in U.S. District Court for Middle District of Florida.
A different suspect was arrested for unrelated bomb threats against the base at the same time.
The incident has led to increased security checks at the base but has not caused any damage or injuries. Dates for the trials have not been set.
