Sydney Man Charged After Allegedly Threatening Childcare Shooting in AI Chat

A Sydney man has been arrested and charged after allegedly threatening to commit a mass shooting at a local childcare center during an online exchange with an AI chatbot named Claude.

David Lan Thackray, 29, was taken into custody on Sunday. The charges stem from interactions with the AI, which Interpol flagged. According to police documents presented in Sutherland Local Court, Thackray told the chatbot he planned to "shoot up the local daycare" at a Westfield shopping center near his home in Hurstville.

Prosecutors told the court that Thackray also referenced Naveed Akram, who was allegedly involved in the Bondi Beach terrorist incident, during his conversation with the AI. They argued for Thackray to remain in custody, stating that the outcome could be "catastrophic" if he were released and violated bail conditions, adding, "We're understanding what's in his mind through his interactions with the chatbot."

Thackray's lawyer, Danilo Rajkovic, countered that his client's comments lacked seriousness and were part of a stress-induced outburst. Rajkovic stated that Thackray was attempting to use the chatbot for assistance with an ear infection and did not instruct the AI to threaten any specific person or organization. Thackray is believed to have been using Claude's voice mode and may have had his account suspended.

Thackray, who has resided in Australia for over 17 years, is studying international relations and has no prior criminal history, according to his lawyer. He is currently awaiting a mental health assessment, and his case is expected to return to court.

He faces one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend.