NEW DELHI: Alex Choi, a 24-year-old YouTuber known for his “car shenanigans,” is facing federal charges for his alleged involvement in a video titled “Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks.”
The Department of Justice announced on Thursday that Choi is charged with causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison if convicted.
According to prosecutors, the video, which has since been removed, was posted by Choi last July without proper filming permits. It allegedly depicts Choi pressing a “fire missiles” button while two women aboard a helicopter shoot fireworks at a speeding Lamborghini as it races across a desert landscape.
Authorities believe the video was filmed at the El Mirage Dry Lake Bed in rural San Bernardino County, approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers) northeast of downtown Los Angeles.
Choi, who boasts over a million followers on Instagram and nearly the same number of subscribers on YouTube, is known for entertaining his audience with what he refers to as “the greatest car shenanigans.”
His other stunts include filming his passengers while rapidly accelerating and driving a Lamborghini through a gas station car wash.
A spokesperson from the Department of Justice stated that Choi appeared in court on Thursday, and a federal magistrate judge ordered his release on a USD 50,000 bond. His arraignment is set for July 2, and no plea was taken during the initial appearance.
The Department of Justice announced on Thursday that Choi is charged with causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison if convicted.
According to prosecutors, the video, which has since been removed, was posted by Choi last July without proper filming permits. It allegedly depicts Choi pressing a “fire missiles” button while two women aboard a helicopter shoot fireworks at a speeding Lamborghini as it races across a desert landscape.
Authorities believe the video was filmed at the El Mirage Dry Lake Bed in rural San Bernardino County, approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers) northeast of downtown Los Angeles.
Choi, who boasts over a million followers on Instagram and nearly the same number of subscribers on YouTube, is known for entertaining his audience with what he refers to as “the greatest car shenanigans.”
His other stunts include filming his passengers while rapidly accelerating and driving a Lamborghini through a gas station car wash.
A spokesperson from the Department of Justice stated that Choi appeared in court on Thursday, and a federal magistrate judge ordered his release on a USD 50,000 bond. His arraignment is set for July 2, and no plea was taken during the initial appearance.