The man who allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the front gate of Sam Altman’s home April 10 never meant to harm anyone and was in the middle of a mental health crisis, his lawyer said Tuesday, entering a plea of not guilty.

Daniel Moreno-Gama, 20, appeared in court-issued orange sweatpants and a T-shirt. He said nothing as he sat alongside his public defender, who placed her hand on his shoulder during the short proceeding. 

Moreno-Gama faces two counts of attempted murder and other charges in state court. He faces federal charges of possession of an unregistered firearm and damage and destruction of property by means of explosives.

Ward said the government has pandered to the AI industry, overcharged her client, and misled the public about his intentions, which was contained in evidence in the government’s hands. 

The district attorneys office declined to comment on the case, but said in a statement that “the public defender’s comments were made outside of the courtroom and we will not be litigating this case in the press.”

Mr. Moreno-Gama’s next court date is May 12, 2026, for a bail hearing and May 15, 2026, for preliminary hearing. he district attorney’s office did not respond to a request for comment. 

In the early morning hours of April 10, Moreno-Gama was filmed throwing a Molotov cocktail at the gate of the Russian Hill home of the OpenAI CEO, according to prosecutors. He then made his way to the company’s Mission Bay headquarters, where he allegedly attempted to smash the facade with a chair before officers arrested him and linked him to the earlier attack. 

Prosecutors contend that Moreno-Gama had published an anti-AI manifesto and carried a hit list. The manifesto and list of potential targets have not been publicly revealed.  

In an online message, he had called for “Luigi-ing some tech CEOs,” an apparent reference to Luigi Mangione, the suspected killer of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, The Wall Street Journal (opens in new tab) reported. Other writings suggested Moreno-Gama feared the rise of AI.

Moreno-Gama had traveled to San Francisco from his Houston home, authorities said. He had been in San Francisco since at least April 6, according to staffers at a Union Square hotel.

Surveillance video obtained by The Standard shows him arriving at the hotel and leaving hours before the attack. Another video shows him outside the hotel in a car with Colorado plates. Surveillance video capturesMoreno-Gama with a bag featuring the logo of a finance company that recently announced funding for OpenAI (opens in new tab). 

Hotel employees interviewed by The Standard said cleaning staff found a gun and a computer in Moreno-Gama’s room after he failed to return. The staff called police to retrieve the weapon and computer, linking them to Moreno-Gama and the attack. 

Authorities have not said whether they suspect anyone helped Moreno-Gama. But a woman called the front desk to ask if he could check out late, according to hotel staff.

Moreno-Gama’s attorney asked the court for a  mental health diversion and has requested a medical review. He is set to return to court May 12 for a bail review and May 15 to set a preliminary hearing.