YouTuber Alex Choi Faces Prison for Helicopter Fireworks Attack on Lamborghini - The Shocking Details
Could one of the internet's most daring personalities be heading for a 10-year prison stint? Alex Choi, the 24-year-old YouTube star known for his high-risk automotive stunts, now faces serious consequences after a jaw-dropping video went viral for all the wrong reasons. Choi was arrested in San Bernardino County last Thursday, and federal charges loom over his head for directing a fireworks display targeting a Lamborghini Huracán—all executed from a helicopter.
The Ride or Die Lifestyle—and The Law
Choi, who has amassed an impressive subscriber base of 924,000 followers on YouTube, is celebrated for his boundary-pushing content. But the recent stunt was perhaps a step too far. Federal prosecutors have charged Choi with “causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft,” a charge that carries a potential 10-year prison term. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the video—titled “Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks” —makes Choi's culpability rather clear, even though it has been removed from YouTube after racking up millions of views.
The video captured what appeared to be a Robinson helicopter chasing the Lamborghini as it sped across the El Mirage Dry Lakebed in California. The helicopter, emblazoned with “Police” markings and “LSPD” letters (a nod to Grand Theft Auto’s Los Santos Police Department), had two women firing fireworks at the sports car under Choi’s direction. Adding to the spectacle, Choi dramatically pressed a button labeled “fire missiles” within the video, fulfilling his role as the orchestrator of this extreme act.
An Explosive Revelation
What makes this story even more fascinating is how it unfolded. Choi had reportedly communicated via text messages, confessing his intent to purchase the fireworks from Nevada due to their illegality in California. This acknowledgment, combined with a behind-the-scenes video crediting Choi as the director, strengthens the case against him. It’s clear that Choi’s attention to realism—drawing parallels with high-octane video games—could be his undoing in real-life court.
The DOJ has described the video as a “live-action version of a fictionalized video game scene,” leading to more questions about the legality of the entire production. Further complicating matters, the entire spectacle was filmed without any permits, violating multiple regulations and policies. As a result, the fallout was swift; the helicopter pilot's license has been revoked by the FAA.
The Fallout and Future
What remains uncertain is the fate of the individuals involved besides Choi. The two women who shot fireworks from the air are yet to face legal repercussions, but Choi is undoubtedly set to bear the brunt of the fallout. His scheduled initial appearance in a U.S. District Court was set for last Thursday, with an upcoming arraignment expected to follow in the coming weeks. As it stands, Choi does not have an attorney listed in court records.
Facing a maximum sentence of 10 years in a federal prison, Choi will need a robust defense to mitigate the charges. The DOJ underlines that a complaint is merely an allegation, and Choi is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Still, the mounting evidence against him paints a worrying picture.
This isn’t Choi’s first brush with controversy; his YouTube channel features multiple instances of reckless behavior. Prior escapades include towing 7,500 pounds with a Lamborghini and driving a Tesla Model 3 on autopilot while sitting in the back seat. Yet, none have garnered such severe legal consequences until now.
Regardless of the outcome, Alex Choi's latest stunt serves as a potent reminder that even in the world of social media, some lines should never be crossed.
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