In a startling incident, Las Vegas police apprehended 36-year-old Paul Kim in connection with what authorities have described as a “targeted attack” on a Tesla service center. The attack, which took place last Tuesday morning, involved Kim employing both Molotov cocktails and firearms, showcasing a troubling blend of violence and misdirected fury.
As a result of his actions, Kim faces a variety of serious charges, including third-degree arson, discharging a weapon into an abandoned structure or vehicle, destruction of property, and possession of incendiary devices. His first court appearance is slated for this afternoon, where he will presumably face the music for his misguided escapade.
DEVELOPING: @ClarkCountyNV jail records show @LVMPD have arrested Paul Kim, 36, for the @Tesla collision center firebombing.
Charges include arson and destruction of property.
First court appearance will happen today at 1:30 pm PT.@CBSNews | @CBSEveningNews | @CBSMornings pic.twitter.com/Q6xnc3EElR
— Andres Gutierrez (@AFGutierrez) March 27, 2025
In response to the attack, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk characterized the incident as an act of terrorism, underscoring the severity of the situation. In a succinct tweet, Musk pointedly labeled the act as “terrorism,” a term that carries significant weight in discussions of public safety and corporate security.
Terrorism https://t.co/Jthfv6gEsq
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 18, 2025
This violent episode is not an isolated incident; it comes amid a spate of vandalism directed at Tesla vehicles across the United States. Reports have surfaced of various individuals, presumably fueled by a mix of ideological fervor and misguided anger, engaging in acts such as keying Tesla cars and Cybertrucks. The relentless media scrutiny surrounding Musk seems to have stoked the flames of discontent among certain factions.
In a particularly bizarre twist, a 33-year-old individual was apprehended by police in Texarkana, Texas, for ramming a Tesla Cybertruck with a mini four-wheeler. This incident adds yet another layer to the ongoing saga of anti-Tesla sentiment manifesting in increasingly erratic behaviors.
The Texarkana Tesla Bandit In Action @RandomHeroWX @Tesla @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/fXkep7P8R1
— Eddie Leyva (@ShowLowVlogs) March 26, 2025
In light of these incidents, Tesla owners have taken to social media platforms, seeking public assistance in identifying vandals caught on their vehicular surveillance systems. One particularly troubling case involves a woman in Issaquah, Washington, who was filmed keying a Tesla Model Y. Such acts not only reflect a growing disdain for the brand but also raise questions about societal behavior and the normalization of vandalism against property that represents technological advancement.
EXCLUSIVE: Cops are looking for an unhinged Karen in Issaquah, WA after she was caught on camera keying a Tesla Model Y. I’ve slowed down parts of this video to help identify this woman. @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/FxZ2PJude9
— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) March 23, 2025