A man has been arrested for allegedly tossing a Molotov cocktail at the San Francisco home of OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman. The details emerging from court documents reveal that Daniel Moreno-Gama had compiled a list of AI executives whom he criticized.
This incident occurred early Friday morning when Moreno-Gama reportedly threw the incendiary device, which ignited a fire at an external gate of Altman’s luxurious residence in the Russian Hill area. Following the attack, the suspect fled on foot but is said to have later threatened to set fire to OpenAI’s headquarters.
Law enforcement apprehended him later that same day. During the arrest, police discovered documents indicating Moreno-Gama’s negative views toward artificial intelligence and its leading figures.
The FBI conducted a search at Moreno-Gama’s residence in Spring, Texas, on Monday, a process that lasted several hours.
He faces federal charges, including possession of an unregistered firearm and criminal damage using an explosive device.
Shortly after the attack on his home, Altman published a blog post that included images of his spouse and young child. He expressed a desire to maintain privacy but felt compelled to share their photo to possibly deter future threats: “I hope this might make someone think twice before throwing a Molotov cocktail at us, regardless of their views about me,” Altman wrote.
He also addressed the public’s concerns regarding artificial intelligence, acknowledging their validity. Altman emphasized the importance of reducing extreme rhetoric and actions, both in a figurative and literal sense.
However, just two days later, Altman’s property was targeted again. This time, two men allegedly drove past and fired shots from their vehicle. Amanda Thom, 25, and Muhammad Tariq Hussain, 23, were arrested, and three firearms were confiscated, with police confirming the vehicle belonged to Thom.
