Man suspected of setting fire to Tesla vehicles in Las Vegas will remain jailed until trial
- On March 18, 2025, Paul Hyon Kim, 36, allegedly set fire to Tesla vehicles at a Las Vegas service center, resulting in his arrest and subsequent detention pending trial on federal arson and explosive device charges.
- The alleged arson occurred amid an uptick of attacks on Tesla properties across the U.S., which some connect to political tensions since Donald Trump's presidency and Elon Musk's involvement in government efficiency initiatives involving layoffs.
- Authorities state that Kim used Molotov cocktails and fired gunshots at the Tesla service center, leading to an investigation that uncovered weapons at his apartment, displayed at a press conference held on March 27, 2025.
- U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna Youchah cited the dangerous nature of the crimes, stating, "The acts appeared to be intended to create fear," and Prosecutor Jacob Operskalski argued Kim posed a danger to the community and might resist court orders.
- Representing Kim, attorney Michael Becker characterized the incident as a "glorified property crime with political overtones" and criticized Elon Musk's influence, while similar attacks on Tesla properties, including arson, vandalism, and assault, have been reported in Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, and South Carolina.
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Arrest of Las Vegas Tesla Arsonist Draws Mixed Evening News Coverage
After a brief investigation, there was an arrest made in the firebombing of a Las Vegas Tesla service center. The evening network newscasts provided this arrest with coverage that could most charitably be described as “mixed”. The most comprehensive coverage came via NBC Nightly News. Below is that report in its entirety: https://www.mrctv.org/node/593224 NBC NIGHTLY NEWS 3/27/25 6:43 PM LESTER HOLT: There was an arrest today connected to an ars…
Paul Hyon Kim, suspect in setting fire to Tesla vehicles in Las Vegas, to remain jailed until trial
A man accused of setting fire to Tesla vehicles in Las Vegas will remain jailed until his trial on federal charges of arson and possessing an explosive device, a judge ruled Monday.

Man suspected of setting fire to Tesla vehicles in Las Vegas will remain jailed until trial
A man accused of setting fire to Tesla vehicles in Las Vegas will remain jailed until his trial on federal charges of arson and possessing an explosive device. U.S.
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