Nevada man with communist party ties charged in domestic terror attack at Tesla dealer in Las Vegas

A Las Vegas resident, Paul Hyon Kim, 36, has been arrested and charged in federal court for a violent arson and firearm incident at a Tesla collision center. He made his initial court appearance following his arrest by local police on March 26 and is currently held in federal custody.

The charges against Kim include unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and arson. According to the complaint, on March 18, Kim allegedly attacked the Tesla facility using Molotov cocktails and an AR-style firearm, resulting in the destruction of five vehicles. During the incident, graffiti stating "Resist" was spray-painted on the building, and shots were fired.

A search of Kim’s residence led investigators to discover an AR-style rifle with a suppressor that matched the weapon used in the assault. Additionally, evidence such as masks, a black hoodie, a gun belt, and a handwritten escape plan was found, suggesting premeditated actions.

Authorities have noted Kim’s connections to various communist party organizations through his social media activities. Federal officials have condemned the incident as part of a troubling trend of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, with Attorney General Pamela Bondi vowing to pursue and prosecute such attackers.

If convicted, Kim could face significant prison time, including up to 10 years for the firearm possession charge and a mandatory minimum of five years, potentially extending to 20 years for the arson charge.