Manifesto Reveals Hit List After Attack on OpenAI CEO's Home

Suspect Daniel Moreno-Gama faces federal terrorism charges for targeting AI executives over 'impending extinction' fears.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:52pm by

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D macro illustration of a futuristic AI control panel or data center infrastructure, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the intricate cybernetic hardware, conceptually representing the complex and high-stakes world of AI development.As tensions over the development of advanced AI systems escalate, a recent attack on an industry leader's home reveals a broader extremist plot targeting tech executives.San Francisco Today

A 20-year-old man named Daniel Moreno-Gama has been arrested for an early morning attack on the San Francisco home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Authorities discovered a manifesto on Moreno-Gama that contained a hit list of other AI executives, revealing the attack was part of a broader extremist plot targeting tech leaders over fears of AI's 'impending extinction' of humanity. Moreno-Gama escalated from a home invasion to an attempted arson at OpenAI's corporate headquarters, leading to state charges as well as potential federal terrorism charges that could bring life sentences.

Why it matters

The incident raises serious concerns about executive security in the rapidly evolving AI industry, as legitimate academic debates about AI safety risks become conflated with dangerous extremism. Other AI leaders named in Moreno-Gama's manifesto now face difficult security decisions, turning routine business meetings into potential targets.

The details

Moreno-Gama threw an incendiary device at Altman's residence around 4 a.m. Friday, igniting an exterior gate before witnesses extinguished the flames. He then traveled to OpenAI headquarters, smashed glass doors with a chair while carrying kerosene, and threatened security to 'burn it down and kill anyone inside.' San Francisco police arrested him on the spot. The manifesto found on Moreno-Gama outlined his anti-AI ideology, stating 'If I am going to advocate for others to kill and commit crimes, then I must lead by example.' Federal prosecutors are now considering domestic terrorism charges in addition to state charges of attempted murder and arson.

  • On Friday, April 14, 2026, Moreno-Gama attacked Altman's home around 4 a.m.
  • Immediately after the home invasion, Moreno-Gama traveled to OpenAI headquarters and threatened to burn it down.
  • On Monday, April 17, 2026, the FBI searched Moreno-Gama's Texas home and seized journals that could reveal additional plotting.

The players

Sam Altman

The CEO of OpenAI, a prominent artificial intelligence research company.

Daniel Moreno-Gama

A 20-year-old man who carried out the attack on Altman's home and OpenAI headquarters, and compiled a manifesto containing a hit list of other AI executives.

Craig Missakian

The U.S. Attorney who stated federal prosecutors may treat the incident as an act of domestic terrorism.

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What they’re saying

“If the evidence shows… we will treat this as an act of domestic terrorism.”

— Craig Missakian, U.S. Attorney

“If I am going to advocate for others to kill and commit crimes, then I must lead by example.”

— Daniel Moreno-Gama

What’s next

Federal prosecutors are continuing to investigate the case and may bring additional charges against Moreno-Gama, including potential domestic terrorism charges that could carry life sentences.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing tension between legitimate academic debates about the risks of advanced AI and the emergence of dangerous extremist ideologies that conflate these concerns with calls for violence. The AI industry must now grapple with new security challenges as it works to build safe and responsible artificial intelligence.