A video documenting the launching of fireworks from a helicopter towards a Lamborghini has implicated a famous YouTuber in the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced the arrest of Sook Min Choi (24 years old), also known as Alex Choi, on Wednesday, according to the American CNN network.
He also added in a statement on Thursday that he was charged with one count of causing an explosive or incendiary device to be placed on board an aircraft.
11 minutes
According to an affidavit filed with the criminal complaint, Choi, who has about 1 million followers on YouTube and 1.2 million on Instagram, posted a video titled “Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks” on July 4, 2023.
The approximately 11-minute video clip, which is no longer posted on Choi’s social media pages, also shows two women launching fireworks from the helicopter toward the sports car.
“After filming a live-action version of a fictional video game scene, the video transitioned to a behind-the-scenes account, showing Choi pointing to himself as he coordinated the filming,” the prosecutor’s office said.
Appropriate permits
According to prosecutors, authorities believe the footage was filmed in June 2023 on federally owned property in San Bernardino County, California, where the Bureau of Land Management provided photos of tire marks left by the SUV.
Choi is also accused of not obtaining proper permits to film in the area, including Federal Aviation Administration approval for planned filming activities involving the helicopter.
Additionally, prosecutors revealed that Choi traveled to Las Vegas to buy fireworks, because they are illegal in California.
Punishment of up to 10 years in prison
A spokesman for the Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that no injuries were reported as a result of this video.
He also explained that Choi appeared for the first time in court on Thursday, and was released on bail of $50,000 and did not submit a plea, noting that he is scheduled to be charged on July 2.
The famous YouTuber faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the charges against him, according to prosecutors.
It is noteworthy that dozens of videos on Choi’s YouTube channel show dazzling luxury sports cars. The most recent video was published in December.
