Alleged Firebomber Behind Attack on Local Tesla Shop Hit with Federal Charges, FBI Reveals Links Found on Social Media

Law enforcement has successfully identified and apprehended at least one individual connected to the recent surge of attacks against Tesla—taking decisive action against him.

As reported by multiple sources, authorities have taken 36-year-old Paul Kim into custody for what is being labeled a "targeted attack" on a Tesla dealership that took place on March 18, according to KLAS-TV.

Investigators claim that Kim "arrived in a car, which he parked near the collision center ... armed with a rifle, shot at surveillance cameras outside of the business. He then spray-painted the word 'resist' on the front doors," per police records.

However, it appears that Kim did not stop there.

“Kim then shot at least five vehicles and set fires with Molotov cocktails, [LVMPD Asst. Sheriff Dori] Koren said,” KLAS reported. “Kim then drove off in his car, which police found while canvassing video from more than 700 locations across the Las Vegas valley.”

Fox News noted that Kim is now facing multiple severe charges, including "destruction of property, arson and possessing a fire device."

Furthermore, the FBI has confirmed that Kim will also be prosecuted on federal charges related to his alleged actions.

“There’s nothing courageous or noble about firebombing private property and terrorizing your local community,” stated FBI agent-in-charge Spencer Evans. “The self-righteous mob that’s cheering you on today to commit acts of violence on their behalf will leave you high and dry and forget about you tomorrow.

“And at the end of the day, you and you alone will be held responsible and face the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence.”

Images of the destruction caused by Kim can be viewed below, courtesy of the Las Vegas Journal Review.

More alarmingly, as authorities continued their investigation, they uncovered social media activity suggesting Kim had "potential links to communist groups and Palestinian causes," per Fox News.

Tesla—and the rising number of attacks against it—has drawn nationwide focus, largely due to its political associations.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, has faced heavy criticism from Democrats and left-wing circles for his aggressive efforts to cut government waste. This scrutiny has seemingly contributed to real-world attacks on Tesla vehicles.

Kim’s use of incendiary devices follows a troubling pattern.

“Was this terrorism? Was it something else? It certainly has some of the hallmarks that we might think—the writing on the wall, potential political agenda, an act of violence,” Evans said, as reported by the Associated Press. “None of those factors are lost on us.”

In response to these escalating attacks, the FBI has teamed up with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to establish a specialized task force, Fox News reported.

As of Thursday, Kim remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, according to KLAS.