Police have arrested Paul Hyon Kim, a 36-year-old man accused of Setting Fire to Tesla Vehicles in Las Vegas and vandalizing Tesla property. The arrest was announced at a press conference on Tuesday, revealing details about the incident that took place on March 18.
Paul Hyon Kim allegedly used Molotov cocktails and a firearm to attack Tesla cars, leaving behind the word “resist” painted on the glass doors of a Tesla service center. Authorities are now investigating the motive behind these attacks, which are part of a growing pattern of violence targeting Tesla across the United States.
The Incident: Tesla Vehicles Targeted in Arson Attack
According to the Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill, the attack on Tesla vehicles took place in the early hours of March 18. Surveillance footage from the scene showed a masked individual, later identified as Paul Hyon Kim, dressed entirely in black as he approached the Tesla service center in Las Vegas.
He proceeded to throw Molotov cocktails at multiple vehicles and fired several rounds from a weapon, damaging the cars. The act of arson and vandalism was further highlighted by the message he left on the glass doors: “resist.”
Authorities acted swiftly to apprehend Kim after an extensive investigation. He now faces multiple charges in state court, including arson, possession of an explosive device, and shooting into a vehicle. Federal charges are expected to follow, as FBI agents have taken over parts of the case.
Read : Several Tesla Vehicles Shot and Set on Fire by Man in Black Outfit at a Repair Facility in Las Vegas
Paul Hyon Kim’s arrest comes amid a growing trend of anti-Tesla sentiment manifesting in violent ways across the country. Law enforcement agencies are now looking into whether his actions are linked to other recent attacks on Tesla properties.
DEVELOPING: Video provided to the Review-Journal shows several @Tesla vehicles engulfed in flames after Las Vegas police say they were set on fire by an individual early Tuesday morning.
— Las Vegas Review-Journal (@reviewjournal) March 18, 2025
UPDATES→ https://t.co/sZQr9j1E5A pic.twitter.com/uXeLsdpTVl
These incidents have been occurring more frequently in various states, particularly in left-leaning cities where anti-Musk and anti-Tesla sentiment appears to be more pronounced.
A Growing Pattern of Attacks Against Tesla
Paul Hyon Kim’s arson attack on Tesla vehicles is not an isolated event. In recent months, Tesla showrooms, service centers, and charging stations have become frequent targets of vandalism and destruction. Several attacks have taken place across the United States, with perpetrators often leaving behind politically charged messages.
In Colorado, prosecutors charged a woman with vandalizing Tesla dealerships, where she allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at vehicles and spray-painted the words “Nazi cars” on a building. Similarly, federal agents in South Carolina arrested a man accused of setting fire to Tesla charging stations near Charleston.
Attacks have also been reported in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in cities like Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington. In Oregon, a man was charged after allegedly hurling Molotov cocktails at a Tesla store in Salem.
He later returned to the scene and fired shots through the windows. Another attack in Tigard, a suburb of Portland, involved an assailant firing more than a dozen rounds at a Tesla showroom, causing significant damage.
These incidents indicate a broader issue beyond simple vandalism. The fact that many of these acts involve firebombing and firearms suggests a level of planning and intent that raises serious concerns for law enforcement.
Authorities are investigating whether there is an organized movement behind these attacks or if they are the result of individual actors motivated by political or ideological beliefs.
Potential Motive and Law Enforcement Response
Authorities are still working to determine Paul Hyon Kim’s exact motive. However, given the political climate surrounding Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk, speculation has arisen regarding the potential influence of anti-Tesla rhetoric in media and political discourse.
Elon Musk took to social media to comment on the incident, suggesting that “legacy media propaganda” played a role in convincing Paul Hyon Kim to carry out the attack. Musk also linked this type of rhetoric to broader acts of political violence, including the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
His remarks indicate that he believes Tesla is being specifically targeted due to its association with a particular political ideology and its role in government reforms under Trump’s administration.
The FBI has not officially labeled Kim’s attack as an act of domestic terrorism, but officials have acknowledged that it carries some of the hallmarks associated with terrorist activities. Spencer Evans, the special agent in charge of the Las Vegas FBI division, stated that authorities are considering whether Paul Hyon Kim’s actions align with politically motivated violence.
“Was this terrorism? Was it something else? It certainly has some of the hallmarks that we might think—writing on the wall, potential political agenda, an act of violence,” Evans said during a press conference. He emphasized that investigators are treating the case with the seriousness it warrants and are working to uncover any potential connections to a broader network.
Local law enforcement agencies are also stepping up their efforts to prevent further attacks. Increased security measures are being implemented at Tesla facilities nationwide, and authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activity near Tesla properties.
While Tesla has yet to release an official statement on the attack, the company has historically maintained that it remains focused on its mission of advancing sustainable energy and transportation. However, the rising number of attacks against Tesla infrastructure and vehicles raises concerns about the safety of employees and customers.
As the investigation into Paul Hyon Kim’s actions continues, authorities are working to understand the broader implications of this trend. Are these isolated incidents, or do they represent a coordinated effort to target Tesla and its CEO? Law enforcement officials will likely continue to monitor similar cases closely and increase security at potential targets.
Paul Hyon Kim’s case will be closely watched as he faces charges in both state and federal courts. His actions have sparked a larger conversation about the rising political tensions surrounding Tesla and its role in the U.S. economy and government policy.
Whether this attack serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and law enforcement remains to be seen. For now, Tesla facilities across the country remain on high alert as authorities work to prevent further incidents of arson and vandalism.