The residence of Sam Altman in San Francisco became the site of a second security incident within three days, after a suspected firearm discharge early Sunday morning. The case follows an earlier Molotov cocktail attack that already triggered federal charges and heightened scrutiny around threats targeting artificial intelligence leaders.
According to the San Francisco Police Department, a Honda sedan stopped near Altman’s property around 1:40 a.m. on April 13. Surveillance footage and security personnel reports indicate that a passenger extended their hand out of the vehicle window and appeared to fire a round toward the Lombard Street side of the residence. The vehicle left the scene shortly after.
Police later detained two suspects, Amanda Tom, 25, and Muhamad Tarik Hussein, 23, without incident. Authorities booked both on charges of negligent discharge of a firearm. Officers recovered three firearms during a search of their residence. No injuries were reported.
Earlier Molotov cocktail incident escalates legal action
The second incident follows a separate attack that took place days earlier. Authorities allege that Daniel Alejandro Moreno-Gama, a 20-year-old from Texas, threw a Molotov cocktail at the gate of Altman’s home in the early hours of April 10. Security personnel extinguished the fire before it spread further.
Investigators say Moreno-Gama then traveled to OpenAI headquarters in Mission Bay, where he struck the building’s glass doors with a chair and issued threats. A criminal complaint states he threatened to “burn it down and kill anyone inside.” Police arrested him at the scene.
Federal and state prosecutors filed multiple charges, including attempted murder, attempted arson, and possession of incendiary materials. Authorities also considered additional charges linked to explosives and potential domestic terrorism. A court later ordered Moreno-Gama held without bail due to public safety concerns, while his arraignment moved to May 5.
His public defender stated that he experienced an “acute mental health crisis,” and argued that the case reflects a property crime rather than attempted murder. Prosecutors disputed that characterization in court filings.
Manifesto and targeted intent raise alarm
Law enforcement officials reported that Moreno-Gama carried a written document outlining his opposition to artificial intelligence. The material named Altman directly and included references to other figures in the AI sector. Authorities said the document reflected a belief that AI poses an existential threat.
The FBI described the attack as “planned, targeted and extremely serious,” according to previously reported statements. Investigators also confirmed that Moreno-Gama had published similar views online before the incident.
Security teams at OpenAI headquarters identified a person matching the suspect’s description shortly after the Molotov attack. The individual made additional threats before police took him into custody.
Altman responds as tensions around AI intensify
Altman addressed the situation publicly after the first attack. He wrote,
“The fear and anxiety about AI is justified. We are in the process of witnessing the largest change to society in a long time, and perhaps ever.”
His remarks reflect growing tension around the pace and impact of artificial intelligence development.
OpenAI issued a statement after the incident, emphasizing that debate around AI must remain peaceful. The company said it welcomes “a good faith debate” but stressed that “there is no place in our democracy for violence against anyone, regardless of the AI lab they work at or side of the debate they belong to.”
Broader pattern of hostility toward AI projects
The incidents in San Francisco align with a wider pattern of backlash tied to AI infrastructure and policy debates. Reports have documented cases where public officials and local communities faced threats or political consequences after supporting data center projects linked to AI expansion.
The situation places added pressure on companies such as OpenAI, which operates at the center of competition in enterprise AI. The company continues to expand its product offerings while preparing for potential public market activity.
Investigation continues as security concerns grow
Authorities have not confirmed any direct link between the two incidents at Altman’s home. The timing and proximity have raised concerns about coordinated threats, but officials have not released further details.
Police continue to review surveillance footage and forensic evidence from both scenes. The investigation remains active as prosecutors pursue charges against the individuals involved.
No injuries occurred in either attack, but the events have intensified concerns about the safety of executives working in high-profile technology sectors. The combination of targeted actions, explicit threats, and ideological motivations has drawn attention from both local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Matvii Diadkov
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