A Korean-American man has been arrested in Las Vegas for allegedly setting fire to several Tesla vehicles at a service center, according to authorities. The incident led to significant property damage and sparked a federal investigation.
![Paul Hyon Kim, 36, allegedly connected to communism and Palestine support groups on social media. [Screen capture from FOX5 News]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0328-Paul.jpg)
Surveillance captures arson at Tesla center
Paul Hyon Kim, 36, was arrested on March 26 following a joint investigation by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI, AP reported the following day.
The arson occurred at around 2:45 a.m. on March 18 at a Tesla Service Center located at 6260 West Badura Avenue. Surveillance footage showed Kim wearing black clothing and a face covering. Authorities said he fired shots at parked Tesla vehicles before throwing Molotov cocktails—homemade firebombs containing gasoline or other flammable liquids—at them.
At least five Tesla vehicles were destroyed in the fire, according to police. Kim also spray-painted the word “Resist” on the front glass doors of the service center.
Multiple charges filed in state and federal courts
Kim was formally charged on March 27 in both Nevada state court and federal court. State charges include arson, possession of explosives, and shooting into an occupied vehicle. Federal prosecutors also charged him with possession of an unregistered firearm.
Las Vegas Police Chief Kevin McMahill confirmed the use of Molotov cocktails in the attack and said investigators are continuing to look into Kim’s motive. Authorities are also examining possible connections to a recent string of vandalism and arson attacks targeting Tesla facilities nationwide.
Broader pattern of attacks under investigation
Since January, similar attacks have been reported at Tesla vehicle locations and charging stations across the United States.
While no official motive has been confirmed, some analysts have speculated on the rise of anti-Tesla or anti-Elon Musk sentiment. This comes in the wake of President Donald Trump appointing Elon Musk to a government oversight role during his administration and implementing sharp federal budget cuts.
In a joint statement, President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the attack. “Violent assaults on Tesla property are no different than acts of domestic terrorism,” the statement said.
By Kyeongjun Kim [kim.kyeomgjun@koreadaily.com]
