Texas Man Arrested for Attack on OpenAI CEO’s Home
A Texas man, Daniel Moreno-Gama, is facing serious charges after allegedly launching an incendiary device at the residence of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. In messages exchanged online leading up to the incident, Moreno-Gama referenced the accused murderer Luigi Mangione, raising alarms about potential copycat behavior.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Moreno-Gama, 20, insinuated that “some tech CEOs be Luigi” during a discussion with the creators of the podcast “The Last Invention.” Mangione was charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024.
Back in January, Moreno-Gama shared his shift from being an avid online user to an activist fixated on fears surrounding artificial intelligence. Although he later dismissed the severity of his comments about Mangione and denied any intent for violence, his messages were concerning.
Early on a recent Friday morning, Moreno-Gama traveled from Texas to San Francisco, reportedly with the intent of harming Altman. He is accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at Altman’s house, igniting a fire at the gate before fleeing. Fortunately, no one was injured, and authorities did not confirm if Altman was home during the attack.
Shortly after, Moreno-Gama was allegedly spotted near OpenAI headquarters, about three miles from Altman’s home, threatening to set the building ablaze and harm individuals inside. Surveillance footage reportedly captured him throwing a chair at a glass door.
When taken into custody, he had a jug of kerosene, a lighter, and a document that expressed his animosity toward artificial intelligence. Reports suggest he possessed a manifesto containing a list of AI executives and investors along with their personal details.
Moreno-Gama appeared in court but did not enter a plea regarding multiple serious charges, including attempted murder. His arraignment has been postponed, and he is set to return to court on May 5.
The mention of Mangione is particularly troubling as fears mount over related incidents. In a separate case, a California man, Chamel Abdulkarim, is accused of setting fire to a Kimberly-Clark distribution center after contacting Mangione to express dissatisfaction about his pay.
