technology • May. 6, 2026

Man Charged in Attack on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s Home Pleads Not Guilty to Attempted Murder

A man accused of attacking the home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges, as authorities continue investigating the high-profile case involving one of the technology industry’s most influential AI leaders.

A Texas man accused of attacking the San Francisco home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman with a Molotov cocktail pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges including attempted murder and attempted arson. The suspect, 20-year-old Daniel Alejandro Moreno-Gama, appeared in state court wearing a jail uniform while his attorney entered the pleas on his behalf. He is also facing separate federal charges connected to the incident.

Prosecutors allege that Moreno-Gama threw a flammable device at Altman’s home last month, setting an exterior gate on fire before fleeing the area. Authorities say that less than an hour later, he went to OpenAI’s headquarters in San Francisco and threatened to burn down the building as well. Defense attorney Diamond Ward argued in court that Moreno-Gama was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the incident and did not intend to harm anyone.

She described him as a peaceful and hardworking person who had publicly spoken about concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and its impact on humanity. Ward also claimed prosecutors were ignoring evidence related to his mental health condition. The judge approved a request for a mental health evaluation and scheduled another hearing later this month to review the findings.

Prosecutors, however, maintain that the attack was deliberate and targeted specifically at Altman. According to court documents, investigators found writings by Moreno-Gama expressing fear and anger toward artificial intelligence, which he reportedly described as a threat to humanity. Authorities said he warned about “impending extinction” in his notes.

Officials have not confirmed whether Altman was inside the home during the attack. Moreno-Gama, who reportedly works part-time at a pizzeria while attending community college, faces several serious state charges, including attempted murder, attempted arson and criminal threats. If convicted, he could face penalties ranging from 19 years to life in prison.

Federal prosecutors have also charged him with possession of an unregistered firearm and destruction of property using explosives. Those federal charges carry possible prison sentences of up to 10 and 20 years respectively. He made his first appearance in federal court last week..