The FBI raided the Texas home of a 20-year-old suspect accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's house in San Francisco, two U.S. officials confirmed Tuesday.
Background
Daniel Moreno-Gama, 20, of Spring, Texas, is accused of traveling from Texas to San Francisco to target the OpenAI CEO's home, authorities said. The attack occurred early Friday morning when a Molotov cocktail was thrown at Altman's residence, causing an exterior gate to catch fire. No one was injured in the incident, according to San Francisco police.
OpenAI issued a statement confirming that the person suspected of throwing the Molotov cocktail had also allegedly made threats against the company's headquarters, which is also located in San Francisco. The company declined to provide additional details about the nature of the threats.
The FBI's raid on Moreno-Gama's Texas home marks a significant escalation in the investigation, which began after San Francisco police responded to the fire at Altman's residence early Friday morning.
The Charges
The Department of Justice is expected to file federal charges Monday, according to sources familiar with the investigation. The charges include attempted damage and destruction of property by means of explosives and possession of an unregistered firearm.
Fox News was first to report the FBI raid. The case is being handled by federal authorities given the interstate nature of the alleged crime — Moreno-Gama allegedly traveled from Texas to California to carry out the attack.
The charges reflect the serious nature of the alleged offense, as Molotov cocktails are considered incendiary devices and their use in an attack on a private residence constitutes a significant criminal act under federal law.
Key Takeaways
- FBI agents executed a raid on the Texas home of 20-year-old Daniel Moreno-Gama
- The suspect is accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at Sam Altman's San Francisco residence early Friday
- No injuries were reported despite the fire being set at the CEO's home
- The DOJ is expected to file federal charges including attempted destruction of property by explosives
- Additional charge of possession of an unregistered firearm is anticipated
- The suspect allegedly made threats against OpenAI headquarters in San Francisco
What's Next
Federal charges are expected to be filed Monday in U.S. District Court. Moreno-Gama will face an initial appearance where the charges will be formally presented. Given the interstate nature of the alleged offense, the case will likely proceed in federal court.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not indicated whether additional suspects may be involved. OpenAI continues to cooperate with law enforcement as the case develops.