A man named Paul Hyon Kim has been arrested in Las Vegas and faces federal charges for allegedly setting multiple Tesla vehicles on fire. Kim, 36, has been booked into the Clark County Detention Center and faces 15 counts, including felony charges of arson and possessing or disposing of a fire device, as well as a misdemeanor charge of discharging a firearm into a vehicle. After his arrest, he was transferred to federal custody and appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
The U.S. Department of Justice has emphasized its commitment to prosecuting those involved in attacks on Tesla properties, which have been increasing nationwide. If convicted, Kim could face up to 20 years in prison for the arson charge and 10 years for unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm.
Surveillance footage allegedly shows Kim damaging and setting fire to vehicles at a Tesla service center in Las Vegas. The footage also reportedly captures him shooting at security cameras and spray-painting “Resist” on the facility. Authorities used various investigative techniques, including cell tower data, DNA evidence, and vehicle navigation records, to identify and arrest Kim.
Kim has been linked to several social media groups, including the Socialist Rifle Association, and is described online as a “traveling cinematographer.” He was arrested at his workplace following extensive investigative efforts by law enforcement, which included reviewing surveillance footage and canvassing numerous locations.
The investigation involved cooperation between local police, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, and other agencies. While the FBI has not officially labeled the incident as terrorism, it noted potential political motivations. The case underscores the ongoing focus of law enforcement on addressing domestic violent extremism.