San Francisco police arrested a 20-year-old man suspected of throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s house early Friday, authorities said.
No one was injured, but a gate was set on fire after the incendiary device was tossed about 4 a.m. at Altman’s home in the city’s Russian Hill neighborhood, according to San Francisco police.
The suspect fled on foot and his description was broadcast to all officers. About 5 a.m., police responded to a business in the 1400 block of Third Street, where a suspect was allegedly threatening to burn down the building.
Officers recognized the suspect from the earlier incident at Altman’s home, and he was detained and eventually arrested. His name was not released.
OpenAI is the company behind the popular ChatGPT software. Company spokesperson Jamie Radice confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday morning.
“Early this morning, someone threw a Molotov cocktail at Sam Altman’s home and also made threats at our San Francisco headquarters. Thankfully, no one was hurt. We deeply appreciate how quickly SFPD responded and the support from the city in helping keep our employees safe.”