A man charged with setting a series of fires to Tesla vehicles in Las Vegas has been ordered to remain in custody until his trial. He faces federal charges for arson and possession of an explosive device. In her ruling on Monday, the judge highlighted the severe nature of the actions, stating that they were not mere burglary or vandalism.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna Youchah emphasized that the actions of Paul Hyon Kim, aged 36, posed a significant threat to public safety. According to Youchah, the events went beyond typical property crimes and seemed designed to instill fear among the public. She suggested that Kim’s actions might have been aimed at coercing others or prompting them to act.
Authorities claim that Kim attacked vehicles at a Tesla service center on the morning of March 18, using Molotov cocktails and gunfire. While thankfully no injuries were reported, security footage from the incident revealed the suspect in dark clothing, with his face covered, as he painted the word “resist” on the service center’s glass doors.
Prosecutor Jacob Operskalski warned that Kim poses a continuing threat to the community. He pointed out that the intent behind the word “resist” remains unclear, but theorized that it could signal Kim’s willingness to defy legal orders.
On behalf of Kim, attorney Adam Solinger described the incident as a “glorified property crime with political overtones.” He remarked on the considerable influence of Tesla CEO Elon Musk in federal matters, describing it as disproportionate.
Recent trends indicate an increase in attacks against properties bearing the Tesla brand across the United States since former President Donald Trump appointed Musk to manage the newly created Department of Government Efficiency. This department has been involved in significant federal staff reductions.
Notable attacks occurred in politically left-leaning areas in the Pacific Northwest. In Oregon, a man was reported to have repeatedly attacked a Tesla store with Molotov cocktails and gunfire. Meanwhile, in Tigard, Oregon, a Tesla showroom was hit with over a dozen bullets, resulting in damage to vehicles and infrastructure.
A separate incident in Idaho saw a 70-year-old man facing aggravated battery charges after allegedly ramming his vehicle into another during a protest at a Tesla dealership. This clash involved a pickup decorated with pro-Trump flags, and the driver later sought medical treatment.
In Colorado, a woman has been charged over attacks described as involving Molotov cocktails and graffiti referring to Tesla vehicles as “Nazi cars.” Additionally, federal agents apprehended a man in South Carolina suspected of setting fire to Tesla charging stations near Charleston.