Daniel Moreno Gama, 20, has been charged with attempted murder and arson after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s home and attacking OpenAI’s headquarters, motivated by extremist anti-AI beliefs. Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential act of domestic terrorism, highlighting escalating tensions and security concerns within the AI community.
Investigators have described the actions of 20-year-old Daniel Moreno Gama as planned, targeted, and extremely serious after he allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the San Francisco residence of Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. The attack occurred around 4 a.m. on a Friday, with security footage capturing Moreno Gama fleeing the scene while holding a device believed to contain kerosene. This violent act was just the beginning of a series of threats and attacks linked to him.
An hour after the Molotov cocktail incident, Moreno Gama reportedly appeared at OpenAI’s downtown San Francisco headquarters. According to the criminal complaint, he threw a chair at the glass doors and expressed intentions to “burn it down and kill anyone inside.” Police quickly arrested him at the scene, preventing further harm. The severity of his actions has raised significant concerns among law enforcement and the AI community.
Authorities also uncovered writings by Moreno Gama that reveal disturbing anti-AI sentiments and violent intentions. In a document titled “Your Last Warning,” he allegedly called for the deaths of other AI company CEOs and stated that he intended to lead by example through his violent actions. Another message directed at his intended victims suggested that surviving the attack would be a divine sign to “redeem yourself,” highlighting the extremist nature of his motives.
Moreno Gama faces multiple serious charges, including attempted murder and attempted arson. These charges follow an FBI raid on his home in Spring, Texas, as investigators continue to gather evidence. Officials have indicated that if it is proven that Moreno Gama’s actions were intended to influence public policy or coerce government officials, the case could be treated as an act of domestic terrorism, further escalating the legal consequences.
OpenAI released a statement condemning violence against anyone involved in the AI field, emphasizing that such actions have no place in democracy. Moreno Gama is scheduled for his first court appearance, and despite the possibility that domestic terrorism charges may not be added, the existing charges carry the potential for a life sentence if he is convicted. The case underscores the growing tensions and risks surrounding the rapidly evolving AI industry.