Suspect in Altman attack cited AI fears, urged violence against AI CEOs

April 15, 2026 A 20-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder and arson after attacking Sam Altman’s San Francisco home with a Molotov cocktail, with investigators saying he was motivated by the belief that artificial intelligence could lead to humanity’s extinction. Authorities say the suspect also targeted OpenAI’s offices the same day and left behind writings calling for violence against AI executives and investors.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Daniel Moreno-Gama threw an incendiary device at Altman’s property around 3:40 a.m. on Friday before later appearing at OpenAI’s Mission Bay headquarters, where he allegedly tried to break glass doors with a chair and made threats to burn the building and harm those inside.

Police say Moreno-Gama was found carrying a jug of kerosene, a lighter, and a three-part document outlining his motivations. The first section, titled “Your Last Warning,” advocated for killing AI company CEOs and investors and listed multiple names and addresses. In the document, he admitted to attempting to kill Altman and called on others to join his actions.

A second section focused on what he described as the risks AI poses to humanity, framing the attack as part of a broader warning. The document concluded with a letter addressed directly to Altman, stating: “If by some miracle you live, then I would take this as a sign from the divine to redeem yourself…”

Investigators also confirmed that Moreno-Gama emailed a version of the document to representatives at his former college in Texas on the same day as the attack. He now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, attempted destruction of property using explosives, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

No injuries were reported in the initial incident. Security personnel extinguished the fire at Altman’s residence, and surveillance footage captured the attack. Moreno-Gama was later taken into custody after being identified near OpenAI’s offices.

Two days later, a second incident occurred at the same property. Police say a vehicle stopped outside Altman’s home early Sunday morning, and a passenger appeared to fire a round toward the residence before fleeing. Officers later arrested Amanda Tom, 25, and Muhamad Tarik Hussein, 23, on charges of negligent discharge. Three firearms were recovered during the investigation.

Altman responded publicly after the first attack, sharing a photo of his family and writing that he hoped it would discourage further violence. He also acknowledged concerns around the technology, stating that “the fear and anxiety about AI is justified.”



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Mary Dada

Mary Dada is the associate editor for Tech Newsday, where she covers the latest innovations and happenings in the tech industry’s evolving landscape. Mary focuses on tech content writing from analyses of emerging digital trends to exploring the business side of innovation.
Picture of Mary Dada

Mary Dada

Mary Dada is the associate editor for Tech Newsday, where she covers the latest innovations and happenings in the tech industry’s evolving landscape. Mary focuses on tech content writing from analyses of emerging digital trends to exploring the business side of innovation.

Jim Love

Jim is an author and podcast host with over 40 years in technology.

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