Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Sam Altman Served Subpoena Onstage at San Francisco Talk

Officials say he was lawfully served as a potential witness in a criminal case linked to Stop AI’s non-violent blockades.

Overview

  • An investigator from the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office approached the stage at the Sydney Goldstein Theater and presented the papers during a sold-out conversation with Steve Kerr moderated by Manny Yekutiel.
  • The Public Defender’s Office confirmed the service the next day and said prior attempts to deliver the subpoena at OpenAI headquarters and through its online portal were unsuccessful.
  • Stop AI claimed credit and said the subpoena seeks Altman’s appearance at its upcoming San Francisco Superior Court trial over alleged trespass and obstruction during protests at OpenAI’s offices.
  • Altman did not physically accept the envelope, theater security removed the server, and the event continued with Altman unharmed.
  • Legal observers noted that California law permits valid service when documents are presented and left within view even if the recipient does not take them.