A Las Vegas man appeared in U.S. District Court on Thursday on federal charges stemming from an arson at a Tesla collision center, officials stated.
Paul Hyon Kim, 36, faces one count of arson and one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm. He was arrested on Wednesday by Las Vegas police and remains in federal custody.
“Today’s federal charges demonstrate our strong partnerships and collaboration with law enforcement partners and the joint pursuit to end domestic terrorism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada.
According to the complaint, on March 18, Las Vegas police responded to reports of vehicles being set on fire and gunshots at a Tesla collision center. Fire crews extinguished the blaze. Investigators found that Molotov cocktails and a .30-caliber AR-style rifle were used to destroy five Tesla vehicles, and “Resist” was spray-painted on the building.
On March 26, authorities searched Kim’s residence and found multiple firearms, including an AR-style rifle with a suppressor matching the one used in the March 18 incident. They also recovered a black gun belt with a pouch and a small drop of pink paint residue.
If convicted of the charges, Kim faces up to 30 years in prison.