LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Authorities have announced the arrest of Paul Hyon Kim following an attack on Tesla vehicles in Las Vegas on March 18. Kim, 36, is facing charges in both state and federal courts for the incident. The attack involved setting fire to Tesla vehicles and painting the word “resist” at the scene.
In state court, Kim is facing charges of arson, possession of an explosive device, and firing a weapon into a vehicle, according to Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill. Additionally, Kim is charged with federal unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and arson. He appeared in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas wearing black clothing and tennis shoes and is scheduled for a detention hearing on Friday.
Authorities revealed security footage showing the suspect, dressed in black and concealing his face, painting the word “resist” on the Tesla service center’s glass doors. McMahill stated that the suspect threw Molotov cocktails and fired rounds from a weapon into several vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Investigators are actively probing into the motive behind the attack and any potential connections to similar incidents targeting Tesla properties nationwide. Since President Donald Trump appointed Elon Musk as the head of a government efficiency department, there has been an increase in attacks on Tesla-branded properties across the U.S.
Various incidents involving the vandalism of Tesla buildings and vehicles have occurred in states like Oregon, Colorado, and South Carolina. In Oregon, a man threw Molotov cocktails at a Tesla store and later returned to shoot out windows. Meanwhile, a Colorado woman faces charges for similar attacks on Tesla dealerships involving Molotov cocktails and spray-painted messages.
In Las Vegas, the FBI is investigating the similarities between these cases. Special Agent Spencer Evans did not comment on the specific connections but hinted at potential terrorism elements in the attacks. The presence of political agendas and violent acts has raised concerns among investigators. The investigation continues to unravel the motives behind these attacks on Tesla properties across the country.