Police in Las Vegas have launched an investigation after a tech company chief executive received a disturbing delivery: a bloodied pig’s head accompanied by a threatening letter criticizing his use of artificial intelligence in the real estate sector.
Blake Owens, the CEO of Agrippa, a platform specialising in AI-driven property transactions, received a gruesome package at his home on July 29. The anonymous letter, signed only with the initial “M,” accused him of misunderstanding the real estate industry and claimed that “AI is not going to replace brokers.”
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AI, Real Estate, and Resistance
Owens believes the act was prompted by an interview he gave in June, in which he spoke about an AI-assisted property deal. While he insists his aim is to help professionals adapt to emerging technology rather than replace them, he suspects the sender fears job loss due to automation. “Perhaps this person watched too much of The Godfather,” Owens said, referencing the cinematic mafia warning. “Needless to say, I still take it very seriously, but don’t feel like I’m being truly threatened. It was a message.”
The letter criticized Owens’s stance on AI, suggesting his vision for the future of property transactions undermines the human role in the process.
Investigation and Response
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police are reviewing the case but have not released details about potential suspects. The incident has sparked discussion in the local tech and real estate communities about the tensions between innovation and employment security.
Owens maintains that his work aims to integrate AI tools to increase efficiency, not eliminate jobs. Owens stated that he doesn’t want to punch down on this person. They may be in a tough spot in life. Despite the unsettling nature of the delivery, Owens has not increased personal security measures. The investigation remains ongoing.