A prominent Los Angeles-based YouTuber, Suk Min Choi, widely known as Alex Choi, has found himself in serious legal trouble after being charged with an explosives-related offense. Federal prosecutors accuse Choi of masterminding a dangerous stunt for one of his videos, which involved launching fireworks from a helicopter directed at a speeding Lamborghini.
Choi, 24, was arrested on Wednesday and subsequently charged with one count of causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft, as announced by the US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California in a press release issued on Thursday.
Choi, who has a substantial online presence with 923,000 subscribers on YouTube and 1.2 million followers on Instagram, uploaded a video titled “Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks” on July 4, 2023. According to an affidavit included with the criminal complaint, the nearly 11-minute video, which has since been removed from Choi’s social media platforms, depicted two women firing fireworks from a helicopter at the luxury sports car.
The US Attorney’s Office provided a detailed description of the video, noting that it begins with what seems to be a real-life recreation of a scene from a video game. This is followed by behind-the-scenes footage where Choi purportedly makes multiple references to his role in organizing the shoot. The filming is believed to have taken place in June 2023 on federal land at the El Mirage Dry Lakebed in San Bernardino County, California. The Bureau of Land Management supplied photos showing tire tracks from the sports car, which prosecutors used as evidence.
Further compounding Choi’s legal troubles, prosecutors alleged that he failed to secure the necessary permits for the shoot, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for the helicopter activities. Choi is also accused of traveling to Las Vegas to purchase the fireworks, which are prohibited in California.
We are currently seeking to identify Choi’s legal representation for comment on the case.
The affidavit did not identify any other individuals involved in the video. No injuries were reported as a result of the stunt, confirmed Ciaran McEvoy, a spokesperson for the US Attorney’s Office.
Choi’s YouTube channel is well-known for featuring high-end luxury sports cars in various flashy and elaborate stunts. However, his most recent video was posted in December. Following his initial court appearance on Thursday, Choi was released on a $50,000 bond. He did not enter a plea during this appearance, with his arraignment scheduled for July 2. If convicted on the charges, Choi faces a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years.
This incident highlights the risks and legal repercussions associated with creating sensational content for social media, especially when it involves dangerous and illegal activities. As Choi’s case proceeds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to legal standards and regulations in content creation.
