A suspect was apprehended by San Francisco law enforcement early Friday following an attempted firebomb attack on the residence of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
NBC News reported that police were alerted to a fire at Altman’s home in the North Beach area around 4:12 a.m. PT, leading them to discover an incendiary device had been hurled at the property’s exterior gate by an unidentified individual who then fled the scene.
The authorities identified the explosive as resembling a Molotov cocktail or similar weapon. The suspect was later detained near OpenAI’s headquarters after allegedly threatening arson against the building. Upon arrival, officers recognized and apprehended the same person involved in the initial incident. Descriptions from police indicated that the suspect is a 20-year-old male, although no name was disclosed. Charges are still pending as the investigation continues.
“This morning, a firebomb was thrown at Sam Altman’s residence, accompanied by threats against our San Francisco office,” stated an OpenAI representative to Decrypt. “We’re relieved that there were no injuries and appreciate the swift action of SFPD and city support in ensuring employee safety.” OpenAI is collaborating with law enforcement on the ongoing investigation.
This attack occurs amidst increasing tensions related to artificial intelligence advancements, including a recent incident in Indiana where a city council member who backed data center construction received gunfire at their home. A note left behind read, “No data centers.”
Altman has not made any public statements regarding the attack, and authorities confirmed that the investigation is still active.
This event follows another security threat reported by Wired in November when OpenAI secured its San Francisco offices after receiving a violent threat linked to an anti-AI activist who had previously visited their premises and was suspected of plotting harm against employees.