Las Vegas police have arrested Paul Kim, 36, in connection with the March 18 arson attack on a Tesla Collision Center. Kim faces charges including third-degree arson, property destruction, discharging a firearm into a vehicle, and possession of an explosive or flammable device.
The incident occurred around 2:45 a.m. at the facility near Jones Boulevard and Badura Avenue. Five Tesla vehicles were set ablaze, and the word “RESIST” was spray-painted on the front doors. Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren stated that the perpetrator “used what appeared to be multiple Molotov cocktails and firearms to conduct his attack.”
This event is part of a series of arson attacks targeting Tesla facilities across the United States in recent months. Attorney General Pam Bondi has labeled these incidents as domestic terrorism and pledged to impose severe consequences on those involved, including individuals coordinating and funding such crimes.
“We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes,” Bondi commented.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk condemned the violence, stating, “This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong…Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.”
Paul Kim was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday afternoon. Authorities have not disclosed the specific information leading to his arrest.
