Man Charged with Attempted Murder in Molotov Cocktail Attack on OpenAI CEO's Home

Daniel Moreno-Gama accused of targeting Sam Altman's residence over opposition to AI technology

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually representing the vandalism and damage caused by the Molotov cocktail attack on the OpenAI CEO's home.The aftermath of a targeted attack on the home of an AI company CEO exposes the escalating tensions over the rapid development of advanced technologies.Houston Today

A 20-year-old Texas man has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at the San Francisco home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Authorities say Daniel Moreno-Gama was opposed to artificial intelligence and wrote about AI's 'purported risk to humanity and our impending extinction' before carrying out the attack.

Why it matters

The attack on Altman's home highlights growing tensions and fears around the rapid development of AI technology, with some individuals resorting to extreme measures to express their opposition. It also raises concerns about the potential for violence against tech leaders and companies at the forefront of AI innovation.

The details

According to court documents, Moreno-Gama traveled from his home in Spring, Texas to San Francisco and allegedly threw the incendiary device at Altman's home around 4 a.m. on Friday, setting an exterior gate on fire. Less than an hour later, he reportedly went to OpenAI's headquarters and threatened to burn down the building. Surveillance footage allegedly shows Moreno-Gama approaching Altman's home and tossing the Molotov cocktail. When he was arrested, authorities found a document on him expressing his views against AI and its 'purported risk to humanity'.

  • The attack on Altman's home occurred around 4 a.m. on Friday, April 13, 2026.
  • Less than an hour after the attack, Moreno-Gama allegedly went to OpenAI's headquarters and threatened to burn down the building.

The players

Daniel Moreno-Gama

A 20-year-old Texas resident who was charged with attempted murder for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home in San Francisco. Authorities say Moreno-Gama was opposed to artificial intelligence and wrote about its 'purported risk to humanity and our impending extinction'.

Sam Altman

The CEO of OpenAI, a prominent artificial intelligence company. Altman's home in San Francisco was allegedly targeted by Moreno-Gama in the Molotov cocktail attack.

Brooke Jenkins

The San Francisco District Attorney who announced the charges against Moreno-Gama.

Matt Cobo

The FBI San Francisco Acting Special Agent in Charge who described the attack as 'planned, targeted and extremely serious'.

Anthony Aguirre

The president and CEO of the Future of Life Institute, which condemned the violence against Altman.

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What they’re saying

“This was not spontaneous. This was planned, targeted and extremely serious.”

— Matt Cobo, FBI San Francisco Acting Special Agent in Charge

“Violence and intimidation of any kind have no place in the conversation about the future of AI.”

— Anthony Aguirre, President and CEO, Future of Life Institute

“Normally we try to be pretty private, but in this case I am sharing a photo in the hopes that it might dissuade the next person from throwing a Molotov cocktail at our house, no matter what they think about me.”

— Sam Altman

“Fear and anxiety about AI is justified, but it's important to de-escalate the rhetoric and tactics and try to have fewer explosions in fewer homes, figuratively and literally.”

— Sam Altman

What’s next

Moreno-Gama is being held in the San Francisco County Jail on various state charges, including possession or manufacture of combustible material or an incendiary device and arson. He has also been charged by federal prosecutors with possession of an unregistered firearm and damage and destruction of property by means of explosives.

The takeaway

This attack underscores the growing tensions and fears surrounding the rapid development of AI technology, with some individuals resorting to extreme measures to express their opposition. It highlights the need for more constructive dialogue and de-escalation of rhetoric to address concerns about AI's impact on society.