Texas Man Charged After Molotov Cocktail Attack on OpenAI CEO's Home

FBI probes possible domestic terrorism motive in case against Daniel Moreno-Gama

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:04am by

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An extreme close-up of a partially melted Molotov cocktail bottle, the glass cracked and charred, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A violent attack on an AI company's headquarters raises concerns about the growing tensions over the role of artificial intelligence in national security.San Francisco Today

A 20-year-old Texas man named Daniel Moreno-Gama has been charged with hurling a Molotov cocktail at the San Francisco home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and attempting to set fire to the AI firm's headquarters. Moreno-Gama was captured on surveillance video and was carrying an 'anti-AI' document containing threats when he was arrested by the San Francisco Police Department.

Why it matters

The attack on Altman's home and OpenAI's headquarters raises concerns about growing tensions over the role of artificial intelligence in national security and the potential for extremist views to manifest in violent acts. Authorities are investigating whether the incident constitutes an act of domestic terrorism.

The details

According to the FBI affidavit, Moreno-Gama traveled from Texas to California before carrying out the attacks. Police recovered multiple incendiary devices, kerosene, and a lighter at the time of his arrest. Moreno-Gama also told security personnel at OpenAI's headquarters that he intended to burn the building and harm the people inside.

  • The incident occurred on April 13, 2026.

The players

Daniel Moreno-Gama

A 20-year-old Texas man who was charged with the Molotov cocktail attack on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home and attempted arson at the company's headquarters.

Sam Altman

The CEO of OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research company, who was the target of the Molotov cocktail attack on his San Francisco home.

Craig Missakian

The U.S. Attorney who stated that if the evidence shows Moreno-Gama executed the attacks to change public policy or coerce government officials, the case will be treated as an act of domestic terrorism.

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What they’re saying

“We are only at the beginning of this investigation, but if the evidence shows that Mr. Moreno-Gama executed these attacks to change public policy or to coerce government and other officials, we will treat this as an act of domestic terrorism and together with our law enforcement partners prosecute him to the fullest extent allowed by law.”

— Craig Missakian, U.S. Attorney

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to allow Moreno-Gama to be released on bail as the investigation continues.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing concerns around the role of artificial intelligence in national security and the potential for extremist views to lead to violent acts. Authorities are closely examining whether this attack constitutes an act of domestic terrorism.