Police arrested a suspect Friday after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the San Francisco home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, authorities said, in an accident that caused minor property damage but no injuries.
Officials responded around 4 a.m. to reports that an incendiary device had been thrown at the residence, igniting a fire on an exterior gate, according to the San Francisco Police Department and company statements. The suspect fled on foot before officers arrived.
Roughly an hour later, police were called to OpenAI headquarters, where a man was allegedly threatening to burn down the building. Officers identified him as the same person involved in the earlier attack and took him into custody.
No injuries were reported in either incident, and the fire at Altman’s home was contained to a limited area, officials said.
Police have not publicly identified the suspect or disclosed a motive, though reports indicate the individual is a 20-year-old man who may face multiple charges.
OpenAI confirmed the home targeted belongs to Altman and said the company is cooperating with law enforcement. A spokesperson thanked police for their swift response and said additional security measures have been implemented around company facilities.
Law enforcement officials said there is no threat to the public, though police have maintained a presence around OpenAI’s San Francisco offices as a precaution.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of the artificial intelligence industry and its leaders. OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, has faced criticism over safety concerns and is currently being investigated by Florida following reports that its chatbot was used last year by an alleged shooter at Florida State University.
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“As Big Tech rolls out these technologies, they should not, they cannot put our safety and security at risk,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said on Thursday. “We support innovation, but that doesn’t give any company the right to endanger our children, facilitate criminal activity, empower America’s enemies, or threaten our national security.”
Following the attack on Altman’s home, the tech CEO called for de-escalation in rhetoric surrounding AI, warning that heightened tensions could lead to real-world consequences.