YouTuber's Epic Fail: Arrested for Launching Fireworks at Lamborghini from Helicopter
Photo: Millionaire Motorsport on YouTube
Creating viral content is the lifeblood of every YouTuber. The more sensational and eye-catching, the better—at least, until it lands you in jail. This is the precarious situation that well-known YouTuber Alex Choi finds himself in after his latest stunt went way overboard.
In a bid to entertain his audience, Alex Choi last summer decided to up the ante on his channel Millionaire Motorsport by filming a highly controversial video. The spectacle featured his modified Lamborghini Huracan, a helicopter, two women dressed in tactical gear, and, notably, an arsenal of fireworks. The scene was set in California's El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area, a popular spot for extreme automotive stunts. However, Choi’s ambition directly collided with federal laws and aviation regulations.
The Unforgettable Stunt
Imagine a Lamborghini Huracan, modified to the hilt, park in the middle of the vast El Mirage dry lake bed. Overhead, a helicopter swoops in, loaded with fireworks aimed at the supercar. The added twist? Fireworks were also attached to the car, primed to retaliate at the push of a 'Fire Missile' button. It was the kind of bonkers, over-the-top content designed to go viral. But the line between edgy entertainment and federal offense can be razor-thin and Choi swiftly discovered that he had crossed it perilously.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which oversees the El Mirage OHV area, has clear prohibitions against the possession and discharge of fireworks. Additionally, stunts of this magnitude usually require expensive special permits. However, it turns out the unauthorized nature of the fireworks display was just the tip of the iceberg.
Legal Ramifications
Federal Aviation Regulations are stringent about what can and cannot be done with aircraft. While it’s not entirely illegal to carry fireworks on an aircraft if they meet specific safety standards, using them as ammunition against a Lamborghini from a helicopter is a far different matter. This caper quickly escalated into a significant federal offense, raising red flags with multiple agencies.
Choi has now been arrested, facing serious charges for causing the placement of an explosive device on an aircraft, which could land him a maximum sentence of 10 years in a federal prison. The Transportation Office of Inspector General and the ATF are also investigating Choi, suspecting the fireworks were illegally brought into California from Nevada.
What’s Next for Alex Choi?
According to Assistant United States Attorney Dominique Caamano, the stunt only ended because the team ran out of fireworks, a fact Choi reportedly admitted on camera. Although the original footage has been pulled from YouTube, the viral nature of the internet means snippets and summaries continue to circulate widely.
Choi faces an uphill legal battle, with the US Attorney's Office clarifying that he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. With multiple serious charges on his plate, his case will likely serve as a cautionary tale for YouTubers seeking fame through audacious and risky antics.
This bizarre incident underscores a significant point: the pursuit of viral fame must be balanced against the boundaries of the law. While antics like Choi’s may capture attention, breaking federal laws can swiftly transform a viral hit into a real-world nightmare.
For those curious to see what remains of this ill-fated escapade, you can still find discussions and summaries blowing up in automotive forums and social media platforms.