A Las Vegas resident, Paul Hyon Kim, 36, appeared in United States District Court to face federal charges related to an arson incident at a Tesla collision center. The charges against Kim include unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and arson. Arrested by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers on March 26, Kim remains in custody with a detention hearing set for March 28 and a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 10 before United States Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah.
“The Department of Justice has been clear: anyone who participates in the wave of domestic terrorism targeting Tesla properties will suffer severe legal consequences,” stated Attorney General Pamela Bondi. She emphasized the effort to arrest and prosecute offenders until the message is understood.
FBI Director Kash Patel reinforced the stance against violence and vandalism, stating, “Under Attorney General Bondi's leadership, we will continue to pursue these investigations with the full force of law and will bring to justice anyone responsible for these attacks.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada expressed gratitude to the various law enforcement agencies involved in the case, stating, “We will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law and remain steadfastly committed to working with our law enforcement partners to combat domestic violent extremism.”
The arrest follows an incident on March 18, where police responded to reports of vehicles being set on fire and gunshots at the Tesla site. Molotov cocktails and a .30 caliber AR-style firearm were reportedly used, with graffiti reading “Resist” sprayed on the building. Subsequent searches, including one at Kim’s residence, uncovered evidence aligning with the crime, leading to Kim's arrest.
Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Division commented on the cooperative nature of the investigation: “To ensure community safety, it is essential for law enforcement at all levels to work in unison.”
Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani of the ATF San Francisco Field Division stressed the significance of the response: “At the forefront of ATF’s mission is combating violent crime. Crimes of this nature will not be tolerated and are a threat to public safety.”
The case is jointly investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI, the ATF, the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, and other local law enforcement agencies with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Operskalski and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman.
If proven guilty, Kim faces up to 10 years in prison for the firearm offense and between 5 to 20 years for arson. The charges are allegations, and Kim is presumed innocent until proven guilty.