Nevada Man Charged in Connection with Violent Tesla Arson in Las Vegas

Paul Hyon Kim, a 36-year-old resident of Las Vegas, has been charged with federal crimes following an arson incident at a Tesla collision business. The charges against him include unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and arson, as detailed in a complaint filed by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The events unfolded on March 18, when Las Vegas Metropolitan Police received reports of a person igniting vehicles and firing a gun at the Tesla facility. The Clark County Fire Department responded to extinguish the fires, and subsequent investigations revealed that Molotov cocktails and a .30 caliber AR-style firearm were utilized to damage five Tesla vehicles. Additionally, the building was vandalized with the word "Resist" spray-painted on its front.

Law enforcement launched a follow-up investigation, which led them to execute search warrants on March 26, including one at Kim's home. During the search, authorities discovered multiple firearms, including an AR-style rifle similar to the one used in the arson, as well as a suppressor, a gun belt, a hoodie, face masks, and a note resembling an escape plan.

Kim faces severe penalties if convicted—up to 10 years for the illegal firearm possession and a mandatory minimum of five to a maximum of 20 years for the arson charge. He was arrested on March 26 and is currently being held in federal custody.

The investigation is being conducted by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance from the Clark County District Attorney's Office, the FBI, and the ATF, alongside support from the Clark County Fire Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Operskalski and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman from the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.