A 20-year-old Texas man faces life in prison after allegedly attempting to murder OpenAI CEO Sam Altman by throwing a Molotov cocktail at his San Francisco home, then threatening to burn down the company headquarters the same morning.
Dual Attack on AI Executive and Company
Daniel Moreno-Gama was arrested around 5 a.m. Friday outside OpenAI headquarters after officers recognized him from surveillance footage captured at Altman’s residence just one hour earlier. The suspect allegedly threw an incendiary device at the CEO’s home around 4 a.m., sparking a fire on an exterior gate. A security guard was present during the attack, but no injuries were reported. Police found Moreno-Gama attempting to smash the headquarters building’s glass with a chair while carrying kerosene in his backpack.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced multiple charges, including two counts of attempted murder for the premeditated plot against Altman and the security guard. Additional charges include arson and possession of destructive devices related to both locations. Moreno-Gama faces 19 years to life in prison on state charges alone, plus federal counts for property destruction by explosives and possession of an unregistered firearm.
Mental Health Defense Versus Terrorism Investigation
Public defender Diamond Ward argued the case represents overcharging driven by an acute mental health crisis, calling it a property crime at best. District Attorney Jenkins strongly disputed this characterization, stating clear evidence shows a targeted attack with intent to commit murder. Jenkins emphasized the charges would apply equally regardless of the victim’s wealth or status. Federal prosecutors are investigating whether the attacks constitute domestic terrorism, looking at evidence the suspect intended to influence public policy or coerce officials.
Anti-AI Hit List Discovered
Federal authorities discovered documents revealing Moreno-Gama allegedly kept a list containing names and addresses of board members and executives from multiple artificial intelligence companies and their investors. Court documents show he stated he killed or attempted to kill his target. Investigators also found additional incendiary devices and a lighter in his possession at the time of arrest. U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian warned that if evidence demonstrates the attacks aimed to change public policy regarding artificial intelligence development, prosecutors will pursue maximum penalties under domestic terrorism statutes. The investigation continues as authorities examine the suspect’s motivations and potential connections to broader anti-technology movements.