Crime
36-year-old Paul Hyon Kim Arrested for Tesla Service Center Arson and Vandalism in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, NV – A 36-year-old man accused of setting multiple Tesla vehicles on fire using Molotov cocktails has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies, according to court and jail records.
The suspect, identified as Paul Hyon Kim, was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on Wednesday.
He faces 15 charges, including:
- Arson,
- Destruction of property valued at $5,000 or more,
- Possession of an incendiary device, and
- Misdemeanor discharging a firearm into a vehicle.
Video footage from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) showed a suspect, dressed in black, targeting at least five Tesla vehicles in the parking lot of a Tesla service center located at 6260 Badura Avenue, near Jones Boulevard and the 215 Beltway.
The incident occurred around 2:45 a.m. on February 18.
Authorities say the suspect used multiple incendiary devices to ignite the Teslas, one of which failed to detonate and was recovered inside a vehicle.
Additionally, the front doors of the facility were vandalized with the word “RESIST” spray-painted across them.
During a news conference later that morning, Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren described the attack as a targeted assault on Tesla property, with potential ideological motivations.
“This was a targeted attack against a Tesla facility,” Koren stated. “While we believe this was an isolated incident, we are increasing our presence at Tesla-related locations throughout the valley as a precaution.”
The Clark County Fire Department and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force are actively involved in the investigation.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans acknowledged the attack had “some of the hallmarks of terrorism” but refrained from making a definitive classification.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, however, released a strongly worded statement, referring to the attack as part of a pattern of violence targeting Tesla facilities.
“The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism,” Bondi stated.
Kim remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact Las Vegas Metro Police or the FBI.
BROOKLYN PARK, MN – Newly released video footage captures the moment a small aircraft crashed into a home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities have yet to confirm the number of individuals on board or the extent of any injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has verified that the aircraft went down near Noble Parkway and 109th Avenue North, sparking a fire upon impact.
Witnesses in the area reported seeing flames engulfing a portion of the house as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
Fire crews have since extinguished the blaze, and while the home remains standing, officials noted that the roof was completely torn off due to the crash.
According to preliminary reports, the aircraft departed from Des Moines International Airport in Iowa and was en route to Anoka County–Blaine Airport in Minneapolis before it went down.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and details regarding the plane’s occupants have yet to be released.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz acknowledged the incident, stating that his administration is closely monitoring developments.
“My team is in touch with local officials on the scene in Brooklyn Park, and we are monitoring the situation closely,” Walz wrote on X. “Grateful to the first responders answering the call.”
Dramatic video from the crash site shows thick smoke billowing from the residence as firefighters work to contain the flames.
Emergency medical personnel were also seen on-site, though no official statements have been made regarding casualties or survivors.
Authorities are expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses.