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

Suspect Daniel Moreno-Gama allegedly threw incendiary device and threatened to burn down AI firm's headquarters

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:07am by

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An extreme close-up of a shattered glass object, its jagged edges and textured surface dramatically illuminated by a harsh flash against a dark background, conveying the violent and sudden nature of the Molotov cocktail attack.A violent attack on an AI CEO's home exposes the growing backlash against emerging technologies.San Francisco Today

A 20-year-old Texas man has been charged with attempted damage and destruction of property by means of explosives, as well as possession of an unregistered firearm, after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at the San Francisco home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and threatening to burn down the AI company's headquarters.

Why it matters

The attack on Altman's home and threats against OpenAI's offices highlight growing concerns over the societal impacts of artificial intelligence technology, which has faced increasing scrutiny and backlash from some members of the public. The incident could also be classified as an act of domestic terrorism if the evidence shows the suspect intended to influence government policy through violence.

The details

According to the FBI affidavit, 20-year-old Daniel Moreno-Gama was captured on surveillance video throwing an incendiary device outside Altman's residence. Moreno-Gama was also found to be carrying a self-authored 'anti-AI' document containing threats directed at Altman. When apprehended at OpenAI's headquarters, Moreno-Gama told security personnel that he intended to burn down the building and harm the people inside.

  • On April 13, 2026, Moreno-Gama allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at Altman's home in San Francisco.
  • Moreno-Gama was arrested at OpenAI's headquarters on the same day.

The players

Daniel Moreno-Gama

A 20-year-old Texas resident who has been charged with attempted damage and destruction of property by means of explosives, as well as possession of an unregistered firearm, for allegedly attacking OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home and threatening the AI company's headquarters.

Sam Altman

The CEO of OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research company that has faced growing scrutiny and backlash over the societal impacts of its technology.

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 tensions and backlash against AI companies like OpenAI, which are facing increased scrutiny over the societal impacts of their technology. The potential classification of the attack as an act of domestic terrorism also underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating threats against AI firms and their leaders.