FBI Raids Texas Home of Suspect in Molotov Cocktail Incident
SPRING, Texas – The FBI has conducted a raid on the home of a 20-year-old accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s residence in San Francisco last week, according to a report.
On Monday morning, exclusive coverage showed investigators executing a search warrant and collecting evidence in Spring, Texas.
The suspect, identified as Daniel Moreno-Gama, allegedly traveled from Texas to San Francisco with intentions to harm Altman.
Sources indicated that Moreno-Gama’s actions stemmed from anti-AI beliefs, and he reportedly carried a manifesto detailing his motives at the time of his arrest in San Francisco. This document is said to have three parts, listing names and addresses of other AI officials and investors.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins cautioned against the rising hostile rhetoric surrounding artificial intelligence. She emphasized the importance of moderating public discourse to prevent escalating violence.
According to police reports, Moreno-Gama launched a Molotov cocktail at Altman’s home, igniting the front gate early Friday morning. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
He was also spotted on surveillance footage at OpenAI’s headquarters, throwing a chair at a glass door. A security guard recounted that Moreno-Gama expressed intentions to set the building ablaze and harm everyone inside.
Following the chaos, police apprehended Moreno-Gama outside the building, where he was found with kerosene and a lighter.
On Monday afternoon, federal charges were filed against him for attempted property damage using an explosive and possession of an unregistered firearm.
Moreno-Gama already faces multiple state felony charges, including attempted murder related to his actions at Altman’s home.
Additional charges revealed by San Francisco prosecutors included attempted murder of Altman and the security guard, along with several arson and explosives-related crimes. Jenkins characterized the attack as both “deliberate and premeditated,” highlighting that authorities view it as a direct threat to Altman’s life.
Further charges regarding a second incident at OpenAI’s offices were also filed, including attempted criminal intimidation and attempted arson.
Federal officials suggested that Moreno-Gama’s actions were premeditated. FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo noted that he traveled across state lines for what investigators believe was a targeted attack.
In response to the attack, Altman shared a family photo on his blog, expressing his love for them and stating that he usually values privacy. He hoped to discourage future threats, saying, “…in this case, I’m sharing the photo in the hopes that it might deter the next person from throwing a Molotov cocktail at our house, no matter what they think of me.”
Additionally, the San Francisco police reported two more arrests in unrelated incidents following a shooting near Altman’s home over the weekend.
Chief Derrick Lu emphasized that the San Francisco Police Department treats firearms-related crimes with utmost seriousness, pledging to arrest and prosecute anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. He applauded the officers for quickly identifying and apprehending the suspects while securing a dangerous weapon.
An OpenAI spokesperson clarified that the recent incidents are unrelated and there is no evidence suggesting that Altman’s home was specifically targeted.
