A Las Vegas man has pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from a March 2025 attack on a Tesla Collision Center that involved gunfire and Molotov cocktails, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Prosecutors say Paul Hyon Kim spray-painted the word “RESIST” on the entrance of the facility on March 18, 2025, before firing several shots into vehicles and throwing three Molotov cocktails at cars parked outside the business. Two of the vehicles exploded and caught fire, while a third device did not detonate.
Kim pleaded guilty to 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, described as a destructive device.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum possible sentence of up to 70 years. Sentencing is on May 27.
Kim had initially pleaded not guilty after being charged with arson, attempted arson, and possession of an unregistered firearm. His federal trial was to begin in June.
The attack prompted a joint investigation by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Authorities said surveillance video showed a suspect using Molotov cocktails and a firearm to damage vehicles at the Tesla service facility. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force was involved in the investigation.
Officials have not publicly detailed a motive, and the case remains under federal jurisdiction pending sentencing.
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