Suspects in Shooting Near OpenAI CEO's Home Released Pending Investigation

San Francisco prosecutors say further investigation is needed before deciding on charges.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:50am by

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, investigative aesthetic without any text or symbols.A stark, gritty image of a crime scene detail exposes the unsettling reality behind the shooting investigation near the home of a prominent tech CEO.San Francisco Today

Two people arrested in connection with a shooting investigation near OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's San Francisco home have been released from jail as prosecutors continue to review the case. The San Francisco District Attorney's Office stated that while police had probable cause to make the arrests, additional investigation is required before deciding whether to file charges.

Why it matters

The shooting investigation near Altman's home is the latest high-profile incident involving the OpenAI CEO, following a separate alleged attack at his residence just days earlier. These events have raised concerns about the safety of tech leaders and the growing tensions surrounding artificial intelligence.

The details

Police responded to a report of a possible shooting near Altman's Russian Hill residence early Sunday morning. Authorities later identified a Honda sedan believed to be linked to the incident and arrested two individuals, Amanda Tom and Muhamad Tarik Hussein, on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm. Officers also executed a search warrant and seized three guns. However, the San Francisco District Attorney's Office has now released the suspects, stating that further investigation is needed before deciding on potential charges.

  • The shooting incident occurred just before 3 a.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2026.
  • The two suspects were arrested following the shooting investigation.
  • On Thursday, April 17, 2026, the San Francisco District Attorney's Office announced the suspects had been released from jail.

The players

Sam Altman

The CEO of OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research company, whose home was the location of the shooting investigation.

Amanda Tom

One of the two individuals arrested in connection with the shooting investigation near Altman's home.

Muhamad Tarik Hussein

The second individual arrested in connection with the shooting investigation near Altman's home.

Derrick Lew

The San Francisco Police Chief, who stated that the department takes crimes involving guns extremely seriously and will arrest and prosecute perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.

San Francisco District Attorney's Office

The prosecutors who announced the release of the two suspects, stating that further investigation is required before deciding on potential charges.

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What they’re saying

“To make appropriate charging decisions for criminal prosecution, further investigation is required. Once the investigation is complete, all of the evidence gathered will be assessed, and if we believe that charges are appropriate under our higher burden of proof, we will file charges accordingly.”

— San Francisco District Attorney's Office

“The SFPD takes crimes involving guns extremely seriously and anyone committing acts like these will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

— Derrick Lew, San Francisco Police Chief

What’s next

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office stated that once the investigation is complete, they will assess all the evidence gathered and determine if charges are appropriate.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and safety concerns surrounding tech leaders like Sam Altman, as well as the challenges faced by law enforcement and prosecutors in handling high-profile incidents involving guns and potential threats to public figures.