LOS ANGELES – A brazen stunt caught on camera has landed a San Fernando Valley man in federal custody. Suk Min Choi, 24, a.k.a. “Alex Choi,” of Studio City, has been arrested and charged with one count of causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft, following a reckless display of fireworks shot from a helicopter at a speeding Lamborghini.
The Justice Department announced the charges today, detailing how Choi allegedly directed a YouTube video, titled “Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks,” depicting two women in a low-flying helicopter repeatedly launching fireworks towards the luxury sports car. Law enforcement believes the incident occurred on the El Mirage Dry Lakebed in San Bernardino County in June 2023. Choi is scheduled to make his initial appearance in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles, following his arrest on Wednesday, with an arraignment expected in the coming weeks.
The affidavit filed with the criminal complaint paints a disturbing picture of premeditation. The video itself shows Choi allegedly pressing a “fire missiles” button while the fireworks are launched. It then transitions to a behind-the-scenes segment where Choi openly admits to directing the shoot, thanking a camera company for enabling his “crazy stupid ideas.” He even casually references a mishap during filming, stating that the crew “f\***ed up” because he forgot to instruct someone on how to use a torch. The sheer nonchalance is chilling.
Evidence suggests Choi wasn’t concerned with safety or legality. The affidavit notes Choi’s decision to halt filming after running out of fireworks, stating, “No, that’s it. We’re out of fireworks, right?” He is also seen in the video holding what appears to be a firework. Investigators believe Choi circumvented the law by purchasing the fireworks in Nevada, where they are legal, despite being prohibited in California. Crucially, no permits were obtained for filming the dangerous stunt.
This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision; it was a calculated risk with potentially devastating consequences. The placement of fireworks on an aircraft is a serious federal offense, and Choi now faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison if convicted. A complaint is merely an allegation, and Choi is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Dominique Caamano of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section is prosecuting the case. Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story and report on any further developments in the case against Suk Min Choi.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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