San Francisco Man Arrested for Threatening OpenAI CEO Sam Altman

Incident Overview

A 20-year-old individual was taken into custody in San Francisco after reportedly launching an incendiary device at a property associated with Sam Altman, followed by making threats near the company's headquarters, according to police and OpenAI. The organization confirmed the occurrence, stating that there were no injuries involved. OpenAI expressed gratitude for the swift response from the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and the city's support in ensuring employee safety. They mentioned, "Thankfully, no one was hurt," and added that they are cooperating with law enforcement during the investigation.

Altman has not made any public statements regarding the arrest. The SFPD reported that officers were initially dispatched to a residence in the North Beach neighborhood around 4:12 AM local time on Friday for a fire investigation. It was reported that an unidentified man had thrown an incendiary device at the property, igniting a fire at an exterior gate before fleeing the scene.

A description of the suspect was shared among officers. Shortly after, at approximately 5:07 AM, police responded to reports of a man threatening to set fire to a building on the 1400 block of 3rd Street, which is near OpenAI's headquarters. Upon arrival, officers recognized the individual as the same suspect from the earlier incident and promptly detained him. Authorities indicated that charges are forthcoming, and the investigation is still active. Although the police report did not mention Altman or OpenAI by name, audio from a dispatcher reviewed by NBC News included a caller stating, "Someone threw a Molotov cocktail slash sticky bomb at the gate of Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI’s residence."