An individual has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at the San Francisco home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and a security guard.
Authorities state that Daniel Moreno-Gama, 20, ignited an exterior gate at Altman's residence before fleeing. Police reported that less than an hour later, Moreno-Gama allegedly threatened to set fire to OpenAI's headquarters.
Court documents indicate Moreno-Gama was reportedly opposed to artificial intelligence, expressing concerns about its risks to humanity and "our impending extinction."
"This was not spontaneous. This was planned, targeted and extremely serious," stated FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo.
FBI agents apprehended Moreno-Gama at his home in Spring, Texas. He faces federal charges including possession of an unregistered firearm and property destruction by explosives.
During his arrest, officials found a document detailing Moreno-Gama's opposition to AI and its executives, referencing AI's purported risks and "our impending extinction."
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Moreno-Gama approaching Altman's home and tossing the Molotov cocktail, which caused a small fire. Additional footage from OpenAI's headquarters allegedly depicts Moreno-Gama using a chair to strike glass doors, reportedly stating his intent to "burn it down and kill anyone inside."
San Francisco police arrested Moreno-Gama and recovered incendiary devices, kerosene, a lighter, and the document. He is held on state charges including possession of incendiary devices and arson.
Altman, a prominent voice on AI's potential and dangers, posted a photo of his family hours after the attack, urging de-escalation of rhetoric and tactics regarding AI, while acknowledging that "fear and anxiety about AI is justified."