A 20-year-old man from Spring, Texas accused of firebombing OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s home was experiencing acute mental illness when he attacked the residence and company headquarters, according to his defense attorneys. Daniel Moreno-Gama appeared in San Francisco Superior Court, where his lawyers suggested he was overcharged and that his attacks should be tried as property crime rather than attempted murder.
Allegations and Charges
Moreno-Gama is accused of traveling from Texas to San Francisco to target Altman and his company. He threw a Molotov cocktail at the CEO’s Russian Hill home before threatening to burn down OpenAI’s Mission Bay building early Friday morning. No one was harmed in either incident, though his attorneys noted there was damage to a gate at Altman’s house.
Moreno-Gama faces two counts of attempted murder, arson and attempted arson from the San Francisco District Attorney’s office, as well as federal charges for attempted damage and destruction of property by means of explosives and possession of an unregistered firearm. If found guilty, he could face up to life in prison.
Manifesto and Arrest
After throwing the Molotov cocktail at Altman’s home, Moreno-Gama fled on foot and appeared at OpenAI’s office, where he rammed a chair into the building’s glass doors and threatened to burn it down. Officers found him carrying additional incendiary devices, kerosene, and a lighter. He had a document titled “Your Last Warning” that advocated against AI and for killing CEOs of AI companies and their investors, including names and purported addresses.
Moreno-Gama did not enter a plea and will remain in custody without bail until his arraignment in May. The investigation may evolve to be treated as an act of domestic terrorism if officials determine he acted with intent to sway public policy or coerce government officials.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2026/04/14/suspect-was-in-apparent-mental-health-crisis-during-attack-on-sam-altmans-house/