Anxiety, resentment around AI spur violence against tech’s figureheads
Recent violent acts against AI advocates reflect growing public anxiety and resentment towards the technology. Notable incidents include a Molotov cocktail attack on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and gunfire directed at a city council member in Indianapolis. Experts warn that the rhetoric surrounding AI's existential risks may be radicalizing individuals and contributing to this troubling trend.
- ▪Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, was targeted in a Molotov cocktail attack at his home.
- ▪Indianapolis city council member Ron Gibson had bullets shot through his front door after supporting a data center project.
- ▪Experts are concerned that the rhetoric around AI's existential risks is radicalizing vulnerable individuals.
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Anxiety, resentment around AI spur violence against tech’s figureheadsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxBillionaire OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is among the more prominent AI executives who have become victims of violent acts.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Apr 29, 2026, 02:46 PMUpdated Apr 29, 2026, 02:46 PMListenNEW YORK – Several proponents of artificial intelligence (AI) have become the victims of violent acts in recent days, reflecting the existential dread around the emerging technology – and the public’s growing resentment towards its advocates. Billionaire OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is among the most prominent, with someone throwing a Molotov cocktail at his home on April 10. A suspect, 20-year-old Daniel Moreno-Gama, has been arrested.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.