Police Arrest Man for Molotov Cocktail Attack on Sam Altman’s Home and Threat to OpenAI HQ

San Francisco police arrested a 20-year-old man early Friday morning after he allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the Russian Hill home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, sparking a fire on an exterior gate, according to reports from ABC7 News and the San Francisco Police Department.^[1][3] The suspect fled on foot but was quickly identified, and around 5 a.m., officers recognized him at OpenAI's headquarters on Third Street where he was threatening to burn down the building, leading to his immediate arrest, as detailed by Wired and The Next Web.^[1] No one was injured in the incident, and OpenAI confirmed the situation is under control with no ongoing threat to its offices.^[2]

The attack unfolded around 4 a.m. PT on April 10, 2026, with surveillance cameras capturing the suspect hurling the incendiary device, according to The Verge and Slashdot reports.^[2] After the home assault, the individual traveled across the city to make verbal threats outside the startup's offices, prompting a swift police response that matched his description from the earlier call.^[1][3] OpenAI issued a statement thanking the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) for their rapid action: "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 individual is in custody, and we're assisting law enforcement with their investigation."^[2][1]

Sam Altman personally addressed the incident in a blog post later that day, sharing a photo of his family to humanize the stakes and urge de-escalation in debates over artificial intelligence.^[3] He wrote that amid heated discussions on Artificial General Intelligence, "we should de-escalate the rhetoric and tactics and try to have fewer explosions in fewer homes, figuratively and literally," highlighting concerns over rising tensions in the tech sector.^[3] The event underscores vulnerabilities for high-profile figures in AI, where rapid advancements have sparked both enthusiasm and backlash from critics fearing societal impacts.

Charges against the suspect are pending as SFPD's Special Investigations and Arson Units take the lead, with the FBI assisting to assess any federal law violations, per statements from OpenAI and federal authorities.^[1][3] This rapid apprehension demonstrates effective coordination between local police and private security, potentially averting broader risks to OpenAI staff and facilities in a city already grappling with public safety challenges. While the motive remains unclear from available reports, the incident raises questions about targeted threats against tech leaders driving AI innovation.