The 20-year-old man accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s home made his first court appearance on Tuesday.
According to court documents, prosecutors allege Daniel Moreno‑Gama first targeted two homes owned by Altman, throwing a Molotov cocktail at each. The fires caused only minor damage, but investigators say they recovered multiple incendiary devices, a jug of kerosene and a lighter.
Authorities also allege the suspect brought those items with him to OpenAI’s headquarters, smashed doors, and told people he intended to burn the building and kill those inside. Investigators say he authored a memo expressing anti‑AI views, including statements advocating violence and explicitly justifying the death of Altman. He was arrested at the scene; federal records indicate he did not have any registered firearms or destructive devices.
The suspect’s attorney says Moreno‑Gama was experiencing an acute mental health crisis and has called the charges overbroad, characterizing the case as a property crime at best. San Francisco’s district attorney responded that Moreno‑Gama carried out a targeted attack and that prosecutors have evidence to support the charges.
If convicted, Moreno‑Gama faces prison time including a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years on the explosives charge alone, plus up to 10 years for possessing an unregistered destructive device, along with possible fines and supervised release. Prosecutors are asking a judge to keep him behind bars without bail.
Reporting from Washington, Nicole Sganga.