A man has been charged with attempting to kill OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and a security guard after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at Altman’s home, according to San Francisco district attorney Brooke Jenkins. Daniel Moreno-Gama, 20, reportedly threw the incendiary device at Altman’s residence in the early hours of Friday before fleeing the scene. He then allegedly made threats to burn down OpenAI’s headquarters nearby.
Moreno-Gama, who opposes artificial intelligence, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and attempted arson in California state court. The charges carry potential penalties of 19 years to life in prison. Additionally, federal prosecutors have charged Moreno-Gama with possession of an unregistered firearm and damage and destruction of property using explosives, which could result in up to 10 years and 20 years in prison, respectively.
Authorities confirmed that Altman and OpenAI were the targets of the attack, with no reported injuries. Moreno-Gama was arrested in San Francisco, where police recovered incendiary devices, a jug of kerosene, a blue lighter, and a document. The FBI alleges that Moreno-Gama had expressed anti-AI sentiments and made threats against Altman in the document found on him during the arrest.
Surveillance footage shows Moreno-Gama approaching Altman’s home and later the OpenAI headquarters, where he allegedly attempted to cause damage. San Francisco police are treating the incident as an act of domestic terrorism and are working with federal authorities to prosecute Moreno-Gama. Altman, in response to the attack, emphasized the need for de-escalation in discussions surrounding AI and condemned the violent actions taken against him and his family.