YouTube star Alex Choi, known for his automotive stunts, has been arrested and charged by federal authorities for allegedly directing a video in which fireworks were shot from a helicopter at a Lamborghini in the desert outside Los Angeles. The Justice Department claims that Choi coordinated the video titled “Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks,” showing two women in a helicopter shooting fireworks at the luxury car without the necessary permits. In the video, Choi can be seen pressing a “fire missiles” button while the women target the sports car. Authorities allege that Choi made references to himself coordinating the shoot and thanked a camera company for being a part of his “crazy stupid ideas.” Choi is facing one count of causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft and could potentially face 10 years in federal prison if convicted.
The video, which has since been removed from Choi’s social media accounts, showed the helicopter chasing the Lamborghini and shooting fireworks in its direction. It is believed that the footage was recorded at the El Mirage Dry Lakebed in June 2023. Prosecutors stated that Choi failed to obtain a proper permit for the shoot, including approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, and purchased illegal fireworks in Nevada for the stunt. Despite the dangerous and illegal nature of the video, Choi reportedly ended filming when they ran out of fireworks, showing a lack of concern for the potential consequences of his actions.
With nearly 1 million subscribers on YouTube and 1.2 million followers on Instagram, Choi has built a significant following by featuring extreme automotive stunts and pranks on his social media channels. In the video showing the fireworks incident, Choi can be heard discussing how the shoot was coordinated and acknowledging mistakes made during the process. Despite the spectacle and excitement of his content, Choi’s actions have now landed him in legal trouble and facing serious federal charges.
Choi’s arrest and the charges he is facing serve as a reminder of the potential consequences of engaging in dangerous and illegal activities for the sake of online content. While many social media influencers strive to create engaging and entertaining content for their followers, it is essential to consider the ethical and legal implications of their actions. The case of Alex Choi highlights the importance of acting responsibly and ensuring that all necessary permits and safety precautions are in place when filming potentially hazardous stunts or pranks.
As the case unfolds, Choi will have to navigate the legal system and potentially face significant penalties for his alleged actions. The outcome of the trial could have a lasting impact on Choi’s career as a social media influencer and serve as a cautionary tale for others in the industry. It remains to be seen how Choi will address the charges against him and whether he will take responsibility for his actions or attempt to defend his behavior in court. Regardless of the outcome, the incident involving the fireworks and Lamborghini stunt is a stark reminder of the potential dangers and legal consequences of pursuing extreme and reckless activities for the sake of online fame.
