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Alex Faces Serious Charges for Viral Stunt
YouTuber Alex Choi, whose real name is Suk Min Choi, is potentially facing a decade in prison over a viral stunt involving fireworks aboard a helicopter. The federal government has charged him with one count of “causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft.”
The investigation into Choi’s stunt, which involved a Lamborghini Huracan and a helicopter, has raised questions about the allocation of federal resources for a single incident. This extensive probe highlights concerns regarding the balance and necessity of such efforts.
@alex.choi.yt Destroying a Lamborghini With Fireworks | Part 2 #alexchoi #car #fyp #viral #foryou #trending ♬ original sound – Alex Choi
The Stunt and Its Consequences
In the video titled “Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks,” posted on July 4, 2023, two women are seen firing Roman candle fireworks at a Lamborghini Huracan from a helicopter in flight. The location was a remote dry lake bed, later identified as El Mirage Lake. Choi frequently referred to himself as the director and thanked the camera company for participating in his “crazy stupid ideas.” Notably, he did not obtain a permit for the activity and purchased the fireworks in Nevada, where they are legal, because they are illegal in California, where the filming took place.
Interestingly, the charges focus solely on the use of the aircraft to place an explosive device, not on the use of fireworks or any other activities shown in the video. The Department of Transportation Inspector General and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are investigating this incident, concentrating on the single charge.
The Evidence
Federal authorities have gathered substantial evidence, including radar data tracking the helicopter’s flight to the dry lake bed and text conversations where Choi discussed his idea. Choi’s message described his plan to create a one-minute video featuring an “attack helicopter shooting missiles (mortar-style fireworks) at the car, while the car tries to run away and dodge the missiles using flares (Roman candle fireworks attached to the back of the car).” The pilot involved lost his license in January due to the video.
Potential Consequences and Public Reaction
Two drone operators involved in the stunt also provided information that worsened Choi’s situation, mentioning their attempts to stay behind the helicopter and a spontaneous safety talk led by Choi. If convicted, Choi could face up to 10 years in federal prison. This severe potential sentence and the extensive investigation have sparked debate over the appropriateness of the federal response, especially considering the stunt did not result in any apparent damage or injury. The situation raises questions about whether the federal authorities are overreacting to a stunt that seemingly concluded without incident.
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