Alleged OpenAI CEO firebomber wrote of fears AI would end humanity

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 20-year-old man accused of attempting to burn down OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home in San Francisco appears to have written extensively online about his fears that the race for artificial intelligence could lead to the extinction of humanity. Daniel Alejandro Moreno-Gama, of Spring, Texas, was arrested and booked on suspicion of attempted murder, arson, and other felonies after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at Altman's home on Russian Hill. Moreno-Gama had written about his concerns over AI on a personal Substack and in the Discord server of an activist group focused on banning powerful AI models.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing tensions and anxieties around the rapid development of AI technology, with some individuals expressing extreme views and resorting to violence out of fear that AI could pose an existential threat to humanity. The Bay Area is home to many tech leaders and companies at the forefront of AI innovation, making it a flashpoint for these concerns. This case raises questions about how to address the mental health and radicalization of individuals who become consumed by apocalyptic visions of AI's potential dangers.

The details

According to police, Moreno-Gama threw a Molotov cocktail at Altman's home around 4 a.m. on Friday, though security personnel were able to extinguish the fire without injury. Officers later arrested him near OpenAI's headquarters in Mission Bay, where he was allegedly threatening to burn down the building. A review of Moreno-Gama's online activity shows he had written extensively about his fears that the race for AI would 'lead to human extinction.' In essays on his personal Substack and posts on the Discord server of the activist group PauseAI, Moreno-Gama warned that AI models have 'shown themselves to be unaligned with the interest of the people creating them' and expressed concern over tech leaders like Altman who he believed 'lack strong morals' and are 'gambling with your future and the lives of your children.'

• On April 11, 2026, Moreno-Gama allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at Altman's home in San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood.
• Moreno-Gama was arrested later that day near OpenAI's headquarters in Mission Bay, where he was allegedly threatening to burn down the building.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Prosecutors have not yet filed formal charges against Moreno-Gama, and he remains in custody. The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Moreno-Gama out on bail.