OpenAI Office Lockdown Following Alleged Physical Threat
OpenAI implemented security measures and advised employees to remain inside their San Francisco offices after receiving information about an individual allegedly expressing interest in causing physical harm to company staff. The incident, which occurred on Friday afternoon, prompted police response and internal security precautions including badge removal and avoiding company-branded clothing. The individual in question was reportedly previously associated with the Stop AI activist group and had been present at OpenAI facilities before.
OpenAI's San Francisco offices experienced a security lockdown on Friday afternoon following internal communications indicating a potential physical threat against company employees. The incident highlights growing tensions between artificial intelligence companies and activist groups concerned about the rapid development of advanced AI technologies.
Internal Security Alert
According to an internal Slack message obtained by WIRED, OpenAI's internal communications team informed employees that an individual previously associated with the Stop AI activist group had "expressed interest in causing physical harm to OpenAI employees." The message specifically noted that the person had "previously been on site at our San Francisco facilities," indicating familiarity with the company's physical locations.
Police Response and Security Measures
San Francisco police responded to a 911 call around 11 am regarding a man allegedly making threats and intending to harm others at 550 Terry Francois Boulevard, near OpenAI's Mission Bay offices. The company's global security team implemented precautionary measures while assessing the situation. Employees were instructed to remove their identification badges when exiting the building and avoid wearing clothing with the OpenAI logo to minimize visibility as potential targets.
Activist Background and Context
The individual identified in police reports had previously been involved with Stop AI, a group that has organized demonstrations outside AI company offices in San Francisco. In a social media post hours before the incident, the person claimed to no longer be part of the organization. According to a Pause AI press release from last year, the individual was quoted expressing concerns that AI technologies could make human life "not worth living" if they replaced humans in scientific discovery and employment.
Ongoing Security Assessment
OpenAI's security team continued monitoring the situation throughout the day, with a high-ranking security official stating, "At this time, there is no indication of active threat activity, the situation remains ongoing, and we're taking measured precautions as the assessment continues." The company distributed three images of the suspected individual to employees via internal channels to aid in identification and security awareness.
Broader Activism Context
This incident occurs amid increasing activism against AI development. Groups including Stop AI, No AGI, and Pause AI have staged protests outside San Francisco offices of OpenAI and Anthropic, expressing concerns about potential harm from uncontrolled AI advancement. In February, protesters were arrested for locking the front doors to OpenAI's Mission Bay office, demonstrating escalating tactics among some activist factions.
The security response and internal communications reflect the growing challenges technology companies face in balancing workplace safety with public accessibility. As AI development accelerates, companies like OpenAI must navigate complex security landscapes while maintaining operational continuity and employee safety in an increasingly polarized technological environment.
