Man Accused of Attacking OpenAI CEO’s Home with Molotov Cocktail Pleads Not Guilty
The individual charged with launching a Molotov cocktail at the residence of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in San Francisco has entered a plea of not guilty to the allegations of attempted murder and arson. The accused, Daniel Alejandro Moreno-Gama, who appeared in court dressed in an orange jail uniform, had his plea submitted by his defense attorney. The 20-year-old, hailing from Spring, Texas, is also facing federal charges.
Authorities contend that Moreno-Gama threw the incendiary device at Altman’s property, igniting an external gate before escaping on foot. Shortly thereafter, he allegedly proceeded to the OpenAI headquarters, situated roughly 3 miles away, issuing threats to set the building ablaze.
Public defender Diamond Ward, representing Moreno-Gama, remarked post-hearing that her client was undergoing a mental health crisis and contended that the charges were overly severe. Ward stated, “Daniel is a kind, hard-working person who has been publicly advocating for peaceful measures to address the danger of AI on humanity.” She suggested that Moreno-Gama’s actions were a result of his mental health situation rather than any intent to harm, and accused prosecutors of seeking favor with Altman while neglecting evidence of her client’s mental health challenges.
During the proceedings, Ward requested a mental health assessment for Moreno-Gama, which the judge approved, scheduling a follow-up hearing to review the findings.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins previously described the incident as a “targeted attack on Mr. Altman,” asserting that there was sufficient evidence to support the charges against Moreno-Gama. His family, in a statement following the attack, indicated that he had never harmed anyone and had only recently begun experiencing mental health difficulties.
Court filings reveal that Moreno-Gama, who holds a part-time job at a pizzeria while attending community college, had articulated anti-AI sentiments in his writings, labeling it as a threat to mankind and warning of “impending extinction.”
It remains unclear whether Altman was present at home during the assault. The state charges against Moreno-Gama, which include attempted arson and attempted criminal threats, could result in penalties ranging from 19 years to life imprisonment. Additionally, federal authorities have charged him with possession of an unregistered firearm and causing damage and destruction of property using explosives, which carry potential maximum sentences of 10 and 20 years, respectively.
Moreno-Gama made his initial appearance in federal court last Friday.
