YouTuber faces federal charges after shooting fireworks at a Lamborghini from a helicopter

Suk Min Choi, also known as Alex Choi on social media, has been charged with causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft. The charges are related to a video he posted around July 4, 2023, titled "Destroying a Lamborghini With Fireworks." Federal authorities revealed that Choi did not obtain necessary approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to film the stunt. Additionally, he lacked the required explosives license or permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Choi was released after posting a $50,000 bond and an arraignment has been scheduled for July 2.

Details of the Stunt

The video, nearly 11 minutes long, depicted Choi activating a "fire missiles" button, causing two women in a moving helicopter to shoot fireworks at the luxury sports vehicle. The footage then switched to a behind-the-scenes look at how the initial part of the video was shot, according to court documents.

The helicopter is reported to have left an airport in Pacoima, California, around 1:53 p.m. and traveled to El Mirage Lake, where the video was filmed. Subsequently, the helicopter's transponder was turned off, only to reappear on radar and return to the airport just before 9 p.m.

FAA Involvement and Consequences

In December, the FAA initiated an investigation into Choi's video after being notified by one of its inspectors. As a result, the pilot involved had his private pilot certification revoked through an emergency order issued by the FAA in January.

Federal authorities also interviewed drone operators who expressed concerns about the safety of the shoot, with one operator stating that there was no recollection of any first responders on site. Another operator mentioned a spontaneous safety talk before filming began, led by Choi.

Similar Incidents

Notably, this incident follows a case where another YouTuber, Trevor Jacob, was sentenced to six months in federal prison for crashing a small aircraft as part of a sponsorship deal to gain more video views. Jacob pleaded guilty to one count of destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation after lying to investigators and an FAA safety inspector.