SPRING, Texas (AP) — In a shocking incident underscoring the rising tensions around artificial intelligence, a man in Texas has been charged with attacking OpenAI founder Sam Altman's home.
Daniel Moreno-Gama allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at Altman’s San Francisco residence in the early hours of Friday, igniting a fire at the exterior gate before fleeing the scene. Shortly after, he reportedly threatened to burn down OpenAI’s headquarters.
Following the attack, FBI agents conducted a search of Moreno-Gama’s home in Spring, Texas, also discovering documentation that highlighted his opposition to AI, expressing fears about its risk to humanity and a list of other AI executives he targeted.
Moreno-Gama has been charged with possession of an unregistered firearm, as well as property damage caused by explosives. He asserted through his documentation that AI poses imminent dangers, echoing sentiments voiced by advocacy groups that have raised alarms over the implications of AI technology.
Anthony Aguirre, president and CEO of the Future of Life Institute, condemned the violence, reaffirming that intimidation has no role in discussions regarding the future of AI.
Reflecting on the incident, Altman published a heartfelt blog post featuring a photo of his family, aiming to humanize the narrative surrounding him. He stressed that while concerns about AI are legitimate, there is a crucial necessity to de-escalate rhetoric and avoid destructive actions.
