THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Federal and local authorities say a Houston-area man accused of targeting Sam Altman carried out a “planned and deliberate” attack in San Francisco that is now being treated as an act of domestic terrorism.
During a Monday evening press conference, officials with the San Francisco Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and prosecutors outlined new details in the case against Daniel Moreno-Gama, 20, who they say traveled from Texas to California to carry out the attack.
Federal agents were seen at the suspect’s reported home in Spring on Monday morning as part of a “court-authorized law enforcement operation,” according to the FBI’s Houston field office.
Agents are conducting official activity at a residence near Camberwell Court.
Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo described the attack as a “dangerous and deliberate plan to bring violence to San Francisco.”
“This was not spontaneous. This was planned, targeted, and extremely serious,” Cobo said, noting the suspect allegedly crossed state lines to target both an individual and a major technology company.
Federal authorities confirmed that Moreno-Gama’s residence is in Spring, where agents executed a search warrant earlier Monday.
Officials also emphasized that attacks targeting technology companies can have broader public safety implications.
View our latest statement regarding an incident that occurred early this morning at a North Beach residence. Officers have made an arrest, and no injuries were reported as a result of this incident. pic.twitter.com/t4DsF31uxh
— San Francisco Police (@SFPD) April 10, 2026
Targeted attack at Altman’s home
According to SFPD Deputy Chief Luke Martin, the incident began around 4:12 a.m. Friday, April 10, when Moreno-Gama allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at Altman’s home.
Witnesses were able to extinguish the flames, and no injuries were reported.
Security footage captured the suspect, who was later seen about an hour afterward outside OpenAI headquarters.
Escalation at OpenAI headquarters
Police say Moreno-Gama returned near OpenAI headquarters, where he allegedly threatened to burn down the building.
Authorities say he used a chair in an attempt to smash through glass doors and made threats toward people inside.
Officers responded and took Moreno-Gama into custody. He is currently being held at the San Francisco County Jail.
Investigators say he was found in possession of additional incendiary devices at the time of his arrest.
Charges and terrorism designation
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced a series of charges against Moreno-Gama, including:
- Attempted murder of Sam Altman
- Attempted murder of a security guard
- Attempted arson
- Possession and use of a destructive device
- Exploding or igniting a destructive device
Additional charges tied to the incident at OpenAI headquarters include attempted criminal threats and attempted arson.
“[This was] an attempt on Mr. Altman’s life and an extreme danger to those around him and those who work for his company,” Jenkins said.
She also called for a reduction in heated rhetoric surrounding artificial intelligence.
“In no way should we be at the point where a man could have lost his life over differences of opinion,” she added.
If the attacks were carried out in an effort to influence public policy, prosecutors said the case will be treated as an act of domestic terrorism.
U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian said evidence recovered from the suspect included a written document outlining anti-AI views and suggesting he had “killed or attempted to kill” the CEO.
According to court records, Moreno-Gama’s document contained a section titled “Your Last Warning,” in which he allegedly claimed he had “killed / attempted to kill” Altman and that he intended to lead by example in encouraging violence.
The document also reportedly listed names and addresses of executives and investors connected to AI companies.
A second section discussed what the suspect described as the “existential threat of artificial intelligence,” while a third took the form of a direct letter to Altman, warning him to “redeem” himself if he survived the attack.
Separate shooting under investigation
Authorities also addressed a separate shooting reported in the same area early Sunday morning but said there is currently no evidence linking that incident to Moreno-Gama.
Ongoing investigation
Officials say the investigation remains active as authorities continue to analyze evidence and potential connections, including activity in the Houston area.
“This type of conduct… will never be accepted in San Francisco,” Jenkins said.