Renowned automotive YouTuber Suk Min Choi, popularly known as Alex Choi, was arrested on Wednesday, facing severe charges for placing an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft. This development was announced in a press release from the US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California on Thursday.
The controversy centers around an 11-minute video titled “Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks,” posted on July 4, 2023. The video, which has since been removed from all of Choi’s social media platforms, featured two women launching fireworks from a helicopter towards Choi’s Lamborghini. An affidavit filed with the criminal complaint reveals that the footage transitions to a behind-the-scenes segment where Choi allegedly details the orchestration of the explosive shoot.
Authorities believe the video was filmed in June 2023 on federally-owned land at the El Mirage Dry Lakebed in San Bernardino County, California, just north of El Mirage Airfield. Prosecutors indicated that the Bureau of Land Management provided photographic evidence of tire marks left by the Lamborghini.
Choi also faces accusations of filming without the necessary permits, including Federal Aviation Administration approval for the helicopter activities, as detailed in the affidavit. Additionally, prosecutors allege that Choi traveled to Las Vegas to procure the fireworks, which are illegal in California.
Choi made his initial court appearance on Thursday and was subsequently released on a $50,000 bond. He did not enter a plea, and his arraignment is scheduled for July 2. If convicted, Choi could face up to 10 years in prison.
ThirdWorld.org reached out to Choi for a comment but has not yet received a response.