OpenAI firebomber was trying to kill boss Sam Altman: prosecutors

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A disturbing incident unfolded in San Francisco involving the CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman.

Federal prosecutors say a 20-year-old man, Daniel Moreno-Gama, allegedly tried to kill Altman by throwing a Molotov cocktail at his home in California.

Authorities say the suspect traveled from Texas to carry out the attack. After targeting Altman’s residence, he reportedly went to OpenAI’s headquarters in San Francisco, where he tried to damage the building’s glass doors with a chair.

Police later arrested him and found dangerous items on him, including a container of fuel, a lighter, and a document titled “Your Last Warning.” The document allegedly expressed anti-AI views and mentioned violence against leaders in the AI industry.

Prosecutors have now charged him with serious federal crimes, including use of an explosive device and possession of an unregistered weapon.

Officials stressed that violence over disagreements—especially about technology or politics—will be taken very seriously and prosecuted aggressively.

Altman and OpenAI have been at the center of global debate as artificial intelligence becomes more powerful and widely used. The company’s tools, especially ChatGPT, have made it one of the most influential tech firms in the world, but also a target for critics who fear the impact of AI on society.

In response to the attack, Altman shared a personal message and a photo of his family, saying he hoped it would discourage future violence. He also called for calmer discussions around technology, acknowledging that while AI raises concerns, it should not lead to harm or aggression.

Despite the controversy, OpenAI continues to grow rapidly, with hundreds of millions of users and massive investment backing. The company remains one of the most valuable and closely watched names in the tech industry today.