YouTuber Alex Choi Faces Federal Charges for Dangerous Helicopter Firework Stunt

Key Points:

• Popular YouTuber Alex Choi, known for his car-focused content, is facing serious federal charges.
• The charges stem from a video showing women shooting fireworks from a helicopter aimed at a Lamborghini.
• Multiple safety and legal violations were involved in the stunt, including flying without an approved flight plan, turning off the helicopter’s transponder, and lacking emergency medical personnel on site.
• Fireworks and shooting explosives from aircraft are illegal in California, where the video was filmed.
• The FAA revoked the pilot’s license due to hazardous flying conditions created during the stunt.

YouTuber Alex Choi, who has nearly 1 million subscribers for his car-related videos, is now facing federal charges after a controversial video stunt. The video in question shows two women shooting fireworks out of a helicopter aimed at a Lamborghini below, which led to a criminal complaint and arrest warrant filed against Choi on June 4, 2024.

The Incident:

In June 2023, Choi hired helicopter pilots and drone operators for what he described as a “crazy, hectic firework show.” The event was filmed over El Mirage Dry Lakebed in California, a location that is federal property. The video, lasting about 10 minutes and 45 seconds, begins with dramatic action scenes, including a female and male acting as police officers. The female actor is then seen boarding a helicopter. In subsequent clips, two women are shown inside the helicopter, firing fireworks at a Lamborghini sportscar from the air.

Legal Violations:

Several significant violations were involved in this stunt:

1. No Approved Flight Plan: Choi did not secure an approved flight plan for the helicopter.
2. Transponder Turned Off: The helicopter’s transponder, essential for tracking and safety, was turned off during the filming, which is a major safety violation.
3. No Emergency Medical Personnel: There were no emergency medical personnel on standby, which is a basic requirement for such dangerous activities.
4. Lack of Permits: Choi did not obtain any necessary permits for the stunt.
5. Illegal Fireworks: Fireworks are illegal in California, adding to the list of legal breaches.
6. Illegal Explosives from Aircraft: Shooting explosives from an aircraft is illegal under federal law.
7. Misleading Investigators: The pilot was instructed to lie to investigators, further complicating the legal case against Choi.

FAA and Federal Charges:

The FAA has revoked the license of the helicopter pilot involved in the video. The agency stated that the low altitude and fireworks created a significant hazard. The criminal complaint against Choi mentions “causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft,” indicating the severity of the charges. Although Choi did not personally shoot the fireworks, he is considered the mastermind behind the stunt, as he admitted in the video multiple times.

Investigation and Consequences:

Investigators used tire marks from the drifting Lamborghini to confirm the filming location at El Mirage Dry Lakebed. Choi’s actions have drawn the attention of federal authorities, and the charges he faces are serious, with potential severe penalties.

Choi’s Response:

As of the filing of the complaint, Choi has not made any public comments regarding the charges. This legal trouble adds to a growing list of incidents involving YouTubers engaging in dangerous or illegal activities for views. Just a few months earlier, another YouTuber, Gixxer Brah, pleaded guilty to riding his motorcycle at over 150 MPH in a viral video.

Conclusion:

Alex Choi’s case highlights the growing trend of social media influencers taking extreme risks for content. While these stunts can garner millions of views and significant online attention, they also pose serious legal and safety risks. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen what consequences Choi will face for his actions.

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