A Las Vegas man has pleaded guilty to federal arson charges stemming from a March 2025 attack on a Tesla Collision Center in Nevada, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada announced.
Guilty Plea Entered for Arson Attack
Paul Hyon Kim admitted to vandalizing the Tesla Collision Center on March 18, 2025. His actions included spray-painting the word “RESIST” on the facility’s front entrance. He then proceeded to damage the building and multiple vehicles on the property.
Method of Attack Detailed
According to court documents, Kim employed a PA-15 multi-caliber firearm, fitted with a .300 BLACKOUT upper receiver and a 7.62mm silencer, to disable surveillance cameras. He subsequently fired multiple rounds into several Tesla vehicles parked at the center.
The attack escalated further when Kim deployed three Molotov cocktails. These incendiary devices were thrown into three separate Tesla vehicles. While two of the devices successfully ignited and caused fires, the third failed to detonate. In total, the incident resulted in damage to five Tesla vehicles.
Federal Charges and Potential Sentence
Kim has pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges. These include two counts of arson of property used in interstate commerce, one count of attempted arson of property used in interstate commerce, and one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm classified as a destructive device.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada confirmed that the charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison. However, the total maximum statutory penalty Kim faces is up to 70 years.
Sentencing Scheduled
Sentencing for Paul Hyon Kim is slated for May 27, 2026. The proceedings will take place before U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. The final sentence will be determined by the federal judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other relevant statutory factors.
Investigation Involved Multiple Agencies
The investigation into the arson attack was a collaborative effort involving several law enforcement and investigative agencies. Key participants included the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The Clark County Fire Department also provided assistance during the investigation.