Molotov cocktail attack on OpenAI CEO’s home comes amid growing discontent against artificial intelligence
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n the early hours of 10 April, a man approached the gate of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s house in San Francisco and hurled a molotov cocktail at the building before fleeing. The suspect, 20-year-old Daniel Moreno-Gama, was arrested less than two hours later while allegedly attempting to break into the headquarters of OpenAI with a jug of kerosene, a lighter and an anti-AI manifesto.
Federal and California state authorities have charged Moreno-Gama with a range of crimes including attempted arson and attempted murder. His parents issued a statement this week saying that their son had recently suffered a mental health crisis. Moreno-Gama, who has not yet entered a plea, faces up to life in prison if convicted.
The targeting of Altman and OpenAI took place as widespread discontent against artificial intelligence grows, and is the most prominent attack so far against a person or business related to the technology. Moreno-Gama had a history of posting anti-AI sentiment online, in one case suggesting “Luigi-ing some tech CEOs” in a reference to Luigi Mangione, who is on trial for the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s chief executive.
