YouTube star Alex Choi has been arrested and is facing federal charges for allegedly directing a video in which fireworks were shot at a Lamborghini from a helicopter in the desert outside Los Angeles. The Justice Department claims that Choi, known as “Alex Choi,” directed the video titled “Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks,” which showed two women in a helicopter shooting fireworks at the luxury vehicle in San Bernardino County. The chopper was flying near the ground without the necessary permits, and in the video, Choi is seen pressing a “fire missiles” button while the women shoot at the sports car.
The Justice Department alleges that the video created by Choi appears to be a live-action version of a fictionalized video game scene and transitions to a behind-the-scenes look at how the footage was shot. During this portion of the video, Choi allegedly makes various references to himself coordinating the shoot, thanking a camera company for their involvement, and acknowledging mistakes made during filming. Authorities claim that when asked if they would continue shooting, Choi responded that they were out of fireworks, indicating an end to the filming.
Choi, who has a significant following on social media with 924,000 subscribers on YouTube and 1.2 million on Instagram, faces one count of causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft. The 11-minute video, which has been removed from his accounts, shows the helicopter chasing the Lamborghini while shooting fireworks in its direction. The footage was believed to have been shot at the El Mirage Dry Lakebed in June 2023, with Choi purchasing the illegal fireworks in Nevada and failing to obtain the necessary permits for the shoot.
If convicted, Choi could face up to 10 years in federal prison for his involvement in directing the video. The charges against him highlight the dangers and legal ramifications of using explosives or incendiary devices in such stunts, especially without the proper permits and approvals. Despite his popularity on social media, Choi’s actions in this case have resulted in criminal charges and potentially severe consequences, serving as a reminder of the importance of adhering to laws and regulations when creating content for online platforms.
This incident involving Choi also raises questions about the responsibilities and potential consequences faced by social media influencers and content creators. The powerful reach and impact of social media can sometimes lead individuals to take risks or engage in reckless behavior in order to attract views and followers. However, as demonstrated in this case, such actions can have serious legal and personal ramifications, including criminal charges and imprisonment, underscoring the need for influencers to act responsibly and ethically in their content creation.
In conclusion, the arrest and federal charges against Alex Choi for directing a video involving shooting fireworks at a Lamborghini from a helicopter serve as a cautionary tale for social media influencers and content creators. The incident highlights the importance of legal compliance, safety, and ethical considerations when producing content for online platforms. Despite his popularity, Choi now faces potential imprisonment and consequences for his actions, emphasizing the need for responsible behavior and adherence to laws and regulations in the pursuit of online fame and success.
