20-Year-Old Texas Man Charged in Connection With Molotov Cocktail Thrown at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's San Francisco Home

By Darryl Coote

UPI.com

April 14, 2026

Federal prosecutors filed charges on Monday against Daniel Alejandro Moreno-Gama, a 20-year-old man from Spring, Texas, in connection with a Molotov cocktail thrown at the San Francisco residence of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. No injuries were reported in the incident. Image courtesy Justice Department/Criminal Complaint.

San Francisco police arrested Moreno-Gama on Friday morning after the early-morning incident at Altman's home in the Russian Hill neighborhood on Chestnut Street. The San Francisco District Attorney's Office announced state charges against him that day, including attempted murder, arson and criminal threats. Federal charges were filed the following Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

The federal complaint accuses Moreno-Gama of possession of an unregistered firearm and attempted damage to and destruction of property by means of explosives. Conviction on the first count carries a potential sentence of five to 20 years in prison, while the second count carries a maximum of 10 years.

According to the criminal complaint and police reports, the incident began at approximately 3:37 a.m. on Friday. San Francisco Police Department officers responded to Altman's residence shortly after 4 a.m. following reports of an "incendiary destructive device" thrown at the property. The device, identified as a Molotov cocktail, caused a fire to an exterior barred gate before the suspect fled on foot.

Surveillance footage included in the federal complaint shows a male figure, dressed in black, holding a lit bottle and throwing it from about 10 feet away at the gate. The fire was extinguished without spreading further or causing structural damage beyond the gate.

Less than an hour later, around 5 a.m., the same individual appeared outside OpenAI's headquarters in the Mission District at 3180 18th Street. Complaint stills depict the suspect using a blue outdoor chair to strike the glass doors of the building. Security personnel at the facility told investigators that Moreno-Gama stated he was there "to burn it down and kill anyone inside," according to the complaint.

Officers arrested Moreno-Gama at the scene. A search recovered two incendiary devices, a jug of kerosene and a blue lighter from his possession. Police also seized a document authorities allege was authored by Moreno-Gama.

The three-part document expresses opposition to artificial intelligence and names executives at various AI companies, including Altman, referred to as "Victim-1." It lists addresses of apparent board members, chief executives and investors in AI firms.

One section reads: "Also if I am going to advocate for others to kill and commit crimes, then I must lead by example and show that I am fully sincere in my message." A second part is titled "Some More Words on the Matter of our impending extinction." The third is a letter to "Victim-1," stating: "If by some miracle you live, then I would take this as a sign from the divine to redeem yourself..."

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a raid on Moreno-Gama's family home in Spring, Texas, on Monday as part of the ongoing probe, according to reports from local authorities and federal sources.

U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California Craig Missakian issued a statement Monday noting that the investigation is in its early stages. He emphasized that the office would pursue charges based on the evidence uncovered.

Altman confirmed himself as the victim in a blog post published Friday evening on his personal site. In the post, he addressed the broader discourse around AI development.

"A lot of the criticism of our industry comes from sincere concern about the incredibly high stakes of this technology. This is quite valid, and we welcome good-faith criticism and debate," Altman wrote.

He added: "I empathize with anti-technology sentiments and clearly technology isn't always good for everyone. But overall, I believe technological progress can make the future unbelievably good, for your family and mine."

OpenAI and its leadership, including Altman, have been subjects of public discussion regarding the advancement of artificial intelligence. Activist groups and organizations have organized protests and voiced concerns that the pace of AI development carries risks, such as potential contributions to job displacement, ethical issues and existential threats including scenarios of human extinction.

Proponents of rapid AI progress, including executives at companies like OpenAI, argue that the technology offers substantial benefits, such as advancements in healthcare, scientific research and economic productivity, provided it is developed responsibly.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the AI sector. OpenAI has faced lawsuits, regulatory scrutiny and demonstrations from those advocating for pauses or restrictions on AI training and deployment. Company officials maintain that safety measures are integrated into their work.

San Francisco police have not released additional details on Moreno-Gama's prior history or potential motives beyond the document. He was booked into San Francisco County Jail following his arrest and is scheduled for arraignment on the state charges. Federal court proceedings are pending.

Authorities have stated there is no indication of additional suspects or a wider plot at this time. The investigation continues, with federal and local agencies coordinating.

(Word count: 862)