A late-night attack on the home of OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has triggered a wider security investigation in San Francisco, after police confirmed a suspect allegedly threw an incendiary device at the property and was later linked to threats near the company’s headquarters.
Days later, a separate shooting incident was also reported at the same residence, deepening concerns around escalating hostility directed at the AI firm and its leadership.
Molotov Cocktail Thrown Outside Sam Altman Home Sparks Police Response
Police said an improvised incendiary device was thrown at a North Beach residence at around 4:12am, igniting part of an exterior gate before the suspect fled on foot.
Officers responded quickly after receiving reports and later detained a 20-year-old Texas man about an hour after the incident, following a separate call about a person making threats to burn down another building near OpenAI’s offices.
The San Francisco Police Department later confirmed evidence suggested the same individual was involved in both the fire attack and the subsequent threats.
No injuries were reported, and firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread further.
OpenAI confirmed the incident took place at Altman’s home and said,
“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 added it is assisting law enforcement as investigations continue.
Who Was Arrested And What Do Police Know So Far
Authorities have not publicly confirmed the suspect’s identity at the time of arrest, but jail records later identified him as Daniel Alejandro Moreno-Gama.
Daniel Alejandro Moreno-Gama, the 20-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the alleged attack on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s home.
He was booked on suspicion of attempted murder, making criminal threats, and possession or manufacture of a destructive device.
Moreno-Gama, also referenced in some records and online identifiers as “dmgama” and “Butlerian Jihadist,” is listed as the individual detained in connection with the incident.
Police said the 20-year-old was located shortly after the initial attack, roughly three miles away near OpenAI’s headquarters, where he was allegedly making further threats.
He was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators have not yet confirmed whether the act was planned, politically motivated, or linked to broader grievances about artificial intelligence.
Online posts and accounts attributed to him have also referenced urgency around AI risk, including a statement that, “We are close to midnight, it’s time to actually act,” though authorities have not verified the context or intent behind those remarks.
Second Incident Days Later Raises Fresh Security Questions
Just two days after the Molotov attack, police reported a separate incident involving gunfire directed at Altman’s property.
Two individuals, aged 25 and 23, were arrested after allegedly firing a shot from a vehicle near the residence around 1:40am.
Officers later detained the suspects at another location and recovered three firearms during a search.
Surveillance footage and security reports helped identify the vehicle involved, according to police statements.
It remains unclear whether the shooting was directly targeted at Altman or his home.
No injuries were reported in either incident.
Rising Pressure On OpenAI Amid Public And Political Debate
The attacks come as OpenAI faces growing scrutiny over its expanding role in artificial intelligence development and its partnerships with government bodies, including work linked to US defence applications.
The company has recently been the subject of protests and criticism from activists concerned about AI risks and military use.
Public sentiment towards AI remains divided.
A recent NBC News poll suggested the technology is viewed less favourably than US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, reflecting wider unease over its rapid growth and influence.
Despite criticism, OpenAI continues to scale rapidly.
The company was recently valued at $852bn following a major funding round, with more than 900 million weekly users reported for ChatGPT and rising demand for its search tools.
Altman Calls For Lower Tension As Investigations Continue
Sam Altman addressed the incident in a blog post, acknowledging wider concerns around the technology.
He wrote,
“A lot of the criticism of our industry comes from sincere concern about the incredibly high stakes of this technology.”
He added,
“While we have that debate, we should de-escalate the rhetoric and tactics and try to have fewer explosions in fewer homes, figuratively and literally.”
The San Francisco Police Department, alongside federal partners, continues to investigate both incidents as security around the company and its executives remains under review.