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.
Crime
Two Killed in Meridian Shooting at St. Francis Apartments; Victims Identified as Shedrick McAllister and Shquiya Carpenter
MERIDIAN, Miss. — October 21, 2026 — Two people were killed and a third was critically injured in a shooting at the St. Francis Apartment Complex in Meridian, Mississippi, on Tuesday morning, October 20, according to the information provided. The deceased victims were identified as Shedrick McAllister, known as “Smooth,” and 22-year-old Shquiya Carpenter, also known as Quintaria “Quiya” Molphus.
Meridian Police responded to reports of gunfire shortly after 9:30 a.m. in the 2400 block of Fourth Avenue. Officers found three people suffering from gunshot wounds. Two were pronounced dead, while the third was transported to a local hospital before being airlifted to Jackson in critical condition.
Authorities identified the deceased as Shedrick McAllister, affectionately known as “Smooth,” and Shquiya Carpenter, 22, who was also known by the names Quintaria and “Quiya” Molphus.
Their deaths have left family members, friends and loved ones mourning two lives lost in the shooting. While further biographical details have not been released in the available information, the names by which they were known reflect the personal connections they shared with those around them.
A third person was wounded in the shooting and initially taken to a local hospital. The victim was subsequently airlifted to Jackson for further medical care and was reported to be in critical condition.
The victim’s identity has not been publicly confirmed in the information provided. Further updates on the person’s condition have not been announced.
Four people were reportedly detained and questioned as investigators worked to establish what happened at the apartment complex. Additional reports mentioned a foot pursuit and the recovery of a weapon believed to be connected to the incident, although police had not confirmed those details in the information available.
No motive or formal charges had been announced. Being detained for questioning does not establish responsibility for the shooting, and the circumstances remain under investigation.
Assistant Chief Dareall Thompson said investigators were working diligently on the case and offered condolences to those affected by the deaths. Police also indicated that there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Investigators are working to determine the events that led to the shooting, clarify the circumstances surrounding the victims’ injuries and establish whether any criminal charges will follow. Authorities have not released further details about a possible motive.
The shooting has brought grief to the families and friends of McAllister and Carpenter, while the third victim remains critically injured. As the investigation continues, officials may provide additional information when it can be confirmed and released.