Paul Hyon Kim, a 36-year-old resident of Las Vegas, has been arrested and charged in connection with an arson attack at a Tesla service center in Nevada earlier this month. Federal authorities charged Kim with unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and arson, according to the US&nbsp;Department of Justice.
Kim was taken into custody by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers on Wednesday and remains in federal detention as the investigation continues. He made his initial appearance in US District Court in Las Vegas on Thursday.
According to court documents, the attack occurred on March 18, when LVMPD patrol officers responded to reports of fire and gunshots at a Tesla collision business. Investigators allege Kim used Molotov cocktails and a .30 caliber AR-style rifle to set vehicles on fire and damage the facility. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the suspect arriving in dark clothing and launching firebombs before fleeing the scene. Five Tesla vehicles were destroyed in the attack, and the word &ldquo;Resist&rdquo; was spray-painted on the building&rsquo;s exterior.
On March 26, law enforcement executed search warrants at Kim&rsquo;s residence, recovering firearms, including an AR-style rifle with a suppressor, face masks, a black hoodie, a gun belt, and a handwritten note resembling an escape plan.
If convicted, Kim faces up to 30 years in prison&mdash;a maximum of 10 years for possessing an unregistered firearm and a mandatory minimum of 5 years, up to 20 years, for arson.
&ldquo;Today&rsquo;s federal charges demonstrate our strong partnerships and collaboration with law enforcement partners and the joint pursuit to end domestic terrorism,&rdquo; Acting US Attorney Sue Fahami&nbsp;said in a statement.
The attack is the latest in a series of incidents targeting Tesla properties amid protests over Elon Musk&rsquo;s involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk responded on social media, writing: &ldquo;I understand not wanting to buy a product, but this is extreme arson and destruction.&rdquo;
US officials have condemned the attacks. Attorney General Pam Bondi labelled them &ldquo;nothing short of domestic terrorism&rdquo; and announced charges against multiple individuals linked to Tesla property destruction.
&ldquo;Let this be a warning: if you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars,&rdquo; Bondi stated.
(With agency input)

If convicted, Kim faces up to 30 years in prison

Paul Hyon Kim allegedly used Molotov cocktails and a .30 caliber AR-style rifle to set vehicles on fire and damage the facility

Suspect Arrested in Las Vegas Tesla Arson Case

Paul Hyon Kim allegedly used Molotov cocktails and a .30 caliber AR-style rifle to set vehicles on fire and damage the facility

March 28, 2025 | 09:10 IST