A YouTuber is accused of breaking the law after reportedly filming fireworks being fired from a helicopter at a Lamborghini.
Alex Choi, 24, also known as Suk Min Choi, was taken into custody on Wednesday and accused of placing an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft in the United States. This news was shared by the US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California in a statement made on Thursday.
Choi, who boasts an impressive following on YouTube with 923,000 viewers and Instagram with 1.2 million people, recorded a video titled "Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks" on July 4, 2023, the affidavit stated. This footage has now been removed from his social media accounts.
In the almost 11-minute-long video, two women can be seen firing fireworks from a helicopter, targeting the luxury sports car. Afterward, the film transitions to a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how Choi created the initial portion of the clip. According to authorities, in this part of the film, Choi suggests that he was the one coordinating the shoot.
The authorities believe that the video was filmed in June 2023 on a federally-owned area of the El Mirage Dry Lakebed in San Bernardino County, California. Pictures of tire marks believed to be from the Lamborghini have been provided by the Bureau of Land Management to the prosecutors.
Choi is also charged with not having the required permits for filming in the area, including FAA approval for the planned activities with the helicopter. He is additionally accused of purchasing fireworks in Las Vegas since they are prohibited in California.
CNN is trying to determine Choi's legal representation. No other individuals involved in the film were included in the affidavit. No injuries were caused from the stunt, which was confirmed by Ciaran McEvoy, from the US attorney's office.
Various other videos on Choi's YouTube channel flaunt high-end luxury sports cars. His most recent upload, however, was from December.
Choi made his court appearance on Thursday and was granted a $50,000 bond. There was no plea entered by Choi, and his arraignment is scheduled for July 2, McEvoy added. He may face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.
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The US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California stated that Alex Choi, who is based in the United States, was accused of the incident. During his court appearance, Choi was granted a bond of $50,000.
