SF Police Arrest Suspect After Molotov Thrown at Sam Altman Home

San Francisco police arrested a 20-year-old early Friday after an incendiary device was thrown at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s North Beach home and the same man was later detained near OpenAI’s San Francisco headquarters. No one was injured, and the investigation is active.

Officers responded to a report of a fire at Altman’s residence at about 4:12 a.m. PT. Investigators reported an unknown man threw an incendiary that ignited an exterior gate. Police described the device as a Molotov cocktail or a similar incendiary and the suspect fled the scene.

Later, officers located a man near OpenAI’s downtown offices who allegedly threatened to set the building on fire. Officers identified him as the same person from the earlier incident and took him into custody.

Police have not released the suspect’s name. Police described the individual as a 20-year-old; charges are pending. Authorities are continuing the investigation and working with OpenAI.

OpenAI issued a statement saying, “Thankfully, no one was hurt. We deeply appreciate how quickly SFPD responded and the support from the city in helping keep our employees safe.” The company confirmed it is assisting law enforcement with the investigation.

The incident follows other security incidents linked to disputes over technology and data infrastructure. In one recent case, shots were fired into the home of a city council member who had supported construction of a data center; a note left at that scene read “No data centers.” Late last year, OpenAI temporarily locked down its San Francisco offices after a violent threat tied to an anti-AI activist who had visited the company’s facilities.

Investigators plan to release additional information as the probe continues. Altman has not commented.