Daniel Moreno-Gama, 20, faces severe state and federal charges, including attempted murder and attempted arson, following an alleged attack on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home and the company's San Francisco headquarters.
The Alleged Attack on OpenAI
According to a criminal complaint filed by the FBI, Moreno-Gama was arrested outside OpenAI’s San Francisco offices on Friday night. Authorities allege that the incident was highly planned and targeted.
- At Altman's Residence: Moreno-Gama allegedly threw an incendiary device at the CEO's home.
- At OpenAI HQ: He subsequently attacked the glass doors of the company's headquarters with a chair, reportedly stating his intent was to “burn it down and kill anyone inside.”
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins described the incident as “an attempt on Mr. Altman’s life and an extreme danger to those around him and those who work for his company.”
Charges and Alleged Motive
Moreno-Gama faces a range of serious charges at both the state and federal levels. The charges include:
- Attempted murder (against both Altman and a security guard).
- Attempted arson.
- Federal charges related to unregistered firearms and attempted damage by explosives.
Authorities allege that the attack was motivated by deep opposition to Artificial Intelligence (AI). The federal complaint revealed that Moreno-Gama possessed a three-part document detailing his views against AI and its executives. This document reportedly:
- Advocated for the killing of AI company CEOs and their investors.
- Discussed the purported risk AI poses to humanity.
- Listed the names and addresses of apparent board members and chief executive officers of various AI companies.
Legal Proceedings and Terrorism Concerns
Federal prosecutors are investigating the potential scope of the crime, with officials warning that the case could be treated as domestic terrorism.
- Domestic Terrorism: US Attorney Craig Missakian stated that if evidence shows the attacks were executed to change public policy or coerce government officials, the case will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law as an act of domestic terrorism.
- Arraignment: Moreno-Gama is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on Tuesday afternoon. The District Attorney’s Office plans to move for him to be held in custody pending trial without bail.
Following the incident, OpenAI issued a statement acknowledging the violence but stressing the importance of debate. The company stated, “However, there is no place in our democracy for violence against anyone, regardless of the AI lab they work at or side of the debate they belong to.”
