A public defender stated that the individual accused of attempting to kill OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in San Francisco was going through a mental health crisis and is facing exaggerated charges from prosecutors. The accused, Daniel Moreno-Gama, who appeared in court wearing an orange jail uniform, is said to be autistic and responded affirmatively when asked about continuing his arraignment. The judge ordered him held without bail until his arraignment on May 5.
Authorities reported that Moreno-Gama, a resident of Spring, Texas, threw a Molotov cocktail at Altman’s residence, causing damage to a gate before fleeing the scene. Shortly after, he allegedly went to OpenAI’s headquarters and made threats. The incident did not result in any injuries, and the defense attorney argued that the case is being escalated to gain favoritism for Altman.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins defended the charges, stating that Moreno-Gama targeted Altman and that there is substantial evidence supporting the allegations. Jenkins emphasized that justice should be served regardless of the victim’s status. Moreno-Gama’s parents expressed concern about his mental health struggles and emphasized that he has not harmed anyone in the past.
Authorities revealed that Moreno-Gama, who works part-time at a pizzeria and attends community college, expressed strong anti-artificial intelligence sentiments in his writings, describing it as a threat to humanity. The FBI considered the incident a premeditated and serious attack. Moreno-Gama faces state charges of attempted murder and arson, with potential penalties of up to life imprisonment.
Federal prosecutors have also charged Moreno-Gama with possession of an unregistered firearm and property damage using explosives. The FBI conducted a search at his residence in Texas, and U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian labeled the act as domestic terrorism. Moreno-Gama’s writings reportedly contained threats against Altman and other AI company executives.
Advocacy groups concerned about AI’s societal risks condemned the violence linked to Moreno-Gama’s actions. The accused has not yet appeared in federal court, and the case continues to unfold.