Second Attack on Sam Altman’s Home: Shooter Arrested After Weekend Gunfire
Image: The Verge AI
Main Takeaway
Molotov-cocktail suspect now faces attempted-murder charge, while a separate gun attack on Sunday lands two more suspects in jail and exposes alleged AI-CEO hit list.
Summary
What happened in the early hours
San Francisco police arrested Daniel Moreno-Gama, 20, early Friday after he allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's residence in Russian Hill. Surveillance cameras captured the incident around 3:45 AM PT, according to OpenAI's internal security memo. The incendiary device landed nearby and extinguished itself, causing only minimal damage and no injuries.
The timeline unfolds
The suspect didn't stop at Altman's home. Around 9 AM PT, someone matching his description appeared outside OpenAI's Mission Bay headquarters at 1455 3rd Street, where he began making threats to "burn down the building," according to the SFPD's social media post. Security personnel contacted police, leading to the arrest outside what's internally called "MB1" by OpenAI staff.
New attempted-murder charge
Federal prosecutors have now charged Moreno-Gama with attempted murder, possession of an unregistered destructive device, and attempted arson of a dwelling. CBS News and NPR both report the upgraded charge, citing court filings that reveal he traveled from Spring, Texas, to San Francisco carrying multiple incendiary devices, a full jug of kerosene, and a lighter.
Kill list uncovered
According to Fortune, investigators found what prosecutors call an AI-CEO kill list in Moreno-Gama's backpack. The list allegedly named Altman alongside several other prominent artificial-intelligence executives. Authorities say he targeted Altman specifically, citing the CEO's congressional testimony on AI safety as a possible motive.
Second attack on Sunday
Less than 48 hours after the Molotov incident, a car pulled up to Altman's Russian Hill home around 2:15 AM Sunday and its occupant fired multiple rounds at the building. Police arrested two suspects, whose names have not been released, on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. Investigators say this appears to be an unrelated copycat act rather than a coordinated follow-up.
Corporate security response
OpenAI's corporate security team immediately notified employees about both incidents. The company advised staff to remain vigilant about tailgating into buildings and warned of increased police presence around the office. Despite the threats, OpenAI kept its offices open, with spokesperson Kayla Wood expressing gratitude for SFPD's rapid response and the city's support in keeping employees safe.
What this means for AI executives
This pair of attacks marks a troubling escalation in threats against high-profile AI leaders. Altman, who testified before Congress about AI safety risks, has become a lightning rod for public anxieties over artificial intelligence. Security consultants now recommend round-the-clock protection for senior executives at major AI labs.
Key Points
Daniel Moreno-Gama now faces an attempted-murder charge alongside federal arson and weapons counts.
Prosecutors allege he carried a handwritten list targeting multiple AI CEOs.
A separate gunfire attack on Altman's home early Sunday led to two additional arrests.
OpenAI has increased security but kept offices open after the back-to-back incidents.
FAQs
Prosecutors say the Molotov cocktail was thrown directly at an occupied dwelling at 3:45 AM, endangering everyone inside.
Police believe Sunday's gunfire was a copycat incident; the suspects are not linked to Moreno-Gama.
Court documents have not been unsealed, so the other names remain confidential.
Source Reliability
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