Parents of Man Accused in Attack on OpenAI CEO's Home Cite Mental Health Crisis

The parents of 20-year-old Daniel Moreno-Gama, accused of attacking OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's San Francisco residence, have stated that their son was undergoing a mental health crisis at the time of the incident.

Moreno-Gama, a Texas resident, faces federal charges including attempted damage and destruction of property by means of explosives and possession of an unregistered firearm. Authorities allege he threw a Molotov cocktail at Altman's home and later attempted to set fire to OpenAI's headquarters. Surveillance footage reportedly captured both events.

In a statement released by the San Francisco Public Defender's Office, Moreno-Gama's parents described him as a caring individual with no prior arrests, who had been working at a restaurant while attending college classes. They expressed concern for his well-being and requested privacy as the case proceeds.

Upon his arrest, officers found Moreno-Gama in possession of incendiary devices, a jug of kerosene, a lighter, and a document titled "Your Last Warning," which outlined opposition to artificial intelligence and called for violence against industry executives, listing their names and addresses.

During his court appearance, Deputy Public Defender Diamond Ward highlighted Moreno-Gama's history of mental health issues, suggesting that his actions were driven by an acute mental health crisis rather than an intent to harm. Ward described the case as "overcharged," noting that no one was injured and the damage appeared limited.

If convicted, Moreno-Gama faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and up to 20 years on the explosives charge, along with up to 10 years on the firearm charge.