OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home attacked twice in 48 hours

Two attacks in two days on the home of OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman are raising new questions about the public's perception of artificial intelligence and its most visible leaders.

OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman’s San Francisco residence was attacked twice in less than 48 hours, first with a Molotov cocktail and then a shooting, prompting the arrest of three individuals and escalating concerns over the safety of technology executives. The attacks on April 10 and 12 follow a period of intensified public scrutiny and criticism aimed at Altman and the world’s most valuable artificial intelligence startup, which is valued at over $850 billion.

"Thankfully, no one was hurt," OpenAI spokesperson Kayla Wood said in a statement. "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."

The first incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. on April 10, when a man threw an incendiary device at the home, causing minor damage. Police later arrested Daniel Alejandro Moreno-Gama, 20, near OpenAI's headquarters after he was reportedly making threats. Less than two days later, on April 12, security personnel reported gunfire at the residence, leading to the arrest of two more suspects, Amanda Tom, 25, and Muhamad Tarik Hussein, 23, with three firearms recovered.

The attacks cap a week of negative attention for Altman, who was the subject of a lengthy New Yorker investigation that detailed allegations of deceptive behavior and a relentless pursuit of power. The report, which cited former OpenAI board member Sue Yoon and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, has fueled a narrative of unchecked ambition within the AI industry, adding to public anxiety over the technology's rapid development and potential societal risks.

Altman's Leadership Under Fire

The New Yorker article, based on interviews with hundreds of sources, portrayed Altman as a leader who has consistently prioritized growth over safety, a claim echoed by former colleagues. It detailed his ousting and swift reinstatement in late 2023, a move that followed memos from then-chief scientist Ilya Sutskever alleging a pattern of misleading statements. Critics, including former associates cited in the report, argue that Altman’s public calls for regulation clash with private efforts to weaken safety protocols and concentrate power.

These incidents are the latest in a series of security threats targeting OpenAI. The company’s San Francisco headquarters experienced a lockdown in November 2025 due to violent threats, and protesters have been arrested for blockading the building. The events reflect a volatile mix of public fascination and fear, with a recent NBC News poll indicating that AI is viewed less favorably than U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In a post on the social media platform X following the first attack, Altman acknowledged the public’s anxiety. "We are witnessing...the largest-scale transformation in society's history," he wrote, calling for a reduction in "literal and metaphorical explosions." He remained silent after the second incident. The attacks on his home suggest that for some, the metaphorical has become literal, creating a new and dangerous reality for the public faces of the AI revolution.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.