A man has been formally charged with attempting to murder OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and a security guard at Altman’s residence in San Francisco. The accused, identified as Daniel Moreno-Gama, allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at Altman’s home and later threatened to set fire to OpenAI’s headquarters. Moreno-Gama, known for his anti-artificial intelligence stance, expressed concerns about AI’s potential risks to humanity.

Authorities have labeled the incident as premeditated and highly serious. Moreno-Gama faces state charges, including attempted murder and arson, which could lead to a lengthy prison sentence. In addition, federal prosecutors have charged him with possessing an unregistered firearm and property damage through explosives, carrying penalties of up to 10 and 20 years in prison, respectively.

Following the arrest, law enforcement personnel discovered incendiary devices and related items in Moreno-Gama’s possession. The suspect is currently in custody and is expected to appear in court soon. Altman and OpenAI have confirmed being the intended targets of the attack, emphasizing the broader implications of such actions beyond local crimes. Authorities are treating the incident as a case of domestic terrorism and are committed to prosecuting Moreno-Gama to the fullest extent of the law.

Surveillance footage captures Moreno-Gama’s alleged actions at Altman’s home and OpenAI’s headquarters, supporting the charges against him. Community members near Moreno-Gama’s residence in Texas described him as a person with opposing views on AI but were surprised by his involvement in such violent acts. Advocacy groups have condemned the violence, stressing the importance of constructive dialogue and peaceful resolutions in discussions about AI’s future.

Altman, in response to the incident, shared a personal photo online to humanize the situation and discourage further violent actions. He acknowledged concerns about AI but urged for a more measured and non-violent approach to addressing these issues.