The San Francisco residence of OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman was struck in a Molotov cocktail attack on Friday, according to the company, with authorities confirming that a suspect has been taken into custody.
No injuries were reported in the incident, and the company behind the widely used ChatGPT did not confirm whether Altman was present at the home during the attack. Investigators have also not established a motive for the incident or for subsequent threats directed at OpenAI’s San Francisco headquarters, which police believe may involve the same 20-year-old suspect.
Police in San Francisco said they responded to reports of an attempted arson at a residential property early Friday morning. According to the San Francisco Police Department, officers arrived at approximately 4:00 a.m. local time after an individual reportedly threw an incendiary device at a gate, setting part of the exterior ablaze before fleeing the scene.
Authorities added that a short time later, officers were dispatched to OpenAI’s offices following reports of a man issuing threats. The suspect was identified as the same individual involved in the earlier incident and was promptly detained at the scene. OpenAI confirmed the attack and the subsequent threat, stating, “The individual is in custody, and we’re assisting law enforcement with their investigation,” according to a company spokesperson speaking to AFP.
Altman and OpenAI have increasingly faced criticism from individuals opposed to artificial intelligence, with some expressing concerns about its potential societal impact. Opposition has also been fueled by the company’s partnerships, including its decision to provide AI tools to the US Department of Defense.
Following the incident, Altman addressed the situation in a rare post on his personal blog, sharing a photo of his husband and child while expressing hope that it might deter future attacks. He also commented on the broader debate surrounding technology, stating, “I empathise with anti-technology sentiments and clearly technology isn’t always good for everyone,” adding, “But overall, I believe technological progress can make the future unbelievably good, for your family and mine.”
He further urged a reduction in hostile rhetoric surrounding artificial intelligence development.
OpenAI, recently valued at OpenAI at $852 billion following a funding round that raised $122 billion, continues to face scrutiny over its rapidly growing influence and financial demands. The valuation reflects rising infrastructure costs tied to advanced computing systems, as questions persist over long-term profitability across the AI sector.
Meanwhile, ChatGPT remains the leading consumer AI platform, reportedly attracting more than 900 million weekly users and around 50 million paid subscribers. The company also noted that usage of its integrated search feature has significantly increased over the past year.
