LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Paul Hyon Kim, the man suspected of setting multiple vehicles on fire and vandalizing a Las Vegas Tesla collision center, is to remain in federal custody.
Kim, 36, appeared in court Monday afternoon for a hearing to determine if he would be released as he awaits trial on federal charges.
Prosecutors told the judge they had several concerns if Kim were released, including Kim's mental state. While in custody, Kim allegedly revealed that about eight years ago, he was struggling and attempted to take his own life.
Federal prosecutor Jacob Operskalski said during the Tesla investigation, law enforcement found a number of firearms in Kim's home. Operskalski argued Kim's recent actions could be taken as an indication that he "didn't have anything to lose."
Operskalski further argued Kim potentially poses a threat to law enforcement, citing the unexploded Molotov cocktail found at the scene of the attack. The spray-painted word "RESIST" on the front of the dealership could be interpreted to mean resisting law enforcement, Operskalski added.
If Kim were released, it would be into the custody of his family, which prosecutors claimed posed another issue. Operskalski said Kim's mother didn't know he drank alcohol, which made the government concerned Kim's parents wouldn't be able to follow release conditions set by the court since they didn't know their own son.
Operskalski also stated that during a pre-trial services interview, Kim's mother said she only talked to him every few months.
Kim's mother disputed both those points in her own testimony to the judge.
She said this is the first she has heard of those claims, telling the court she talks to her son almost every night. She added the family would be willing to follow all conditions set by the court if her son were released before his trial, and would report any violations immediately.
WATCH: Paul Kim's attorneys and parents leave court
The defense also asked Kim's mother if the interview was in Korean, which is her native language, or in English. She said the interview was in English and she didn't have an interpreter like she did today in court.
Kim's defense also added there is a political motivation to this case claiming Elon Musk's "undue influence on our federal government can't be overstated enough." They told the judge this was a glorified property crime with political undertones and is vastly different compared to the bomb that went off at Trump Tower.
The judge ultimately sided with prosecutors, stating that she appreciates Kim's mom being in court and believes that she has good intentions in trying to help her son. However, the judge added that she finds that the conditions proposed by the court wouldn't be sufficient to protect the community.
The judge ordered Kim to remain in federal custody. He is next scheduled to appear in federal court at 3 p.m. on April 10.
Kim is also facing charges in Justice Court, where he had a hearing on Tuesday.
Kim was not present at the hearing and his attorney said it was due to Kim being in federal custody.
A judge set the next Justice Court hearing for 7:30 a.m. on August 4.
WATCH: Judge sets next Justice Court hearing for Tesla suspect
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