Conspiracy Theorist Intentionally Blows Up His Virginia Home Amid Police Standoff

James Yoo’s remains were identified in the rubble the day after the blast.

James Yoo, a 56-year-old conspiracy theorist, deliberately blew up his Arlington, Virginia home in December while authorities were attempting to serve a search warrant, according to newly released law enforcement footage.

Yoo saturated his house with gasoline, causing a massive explosion that could be heard miles away, reported WUSA9. His body was discovered in the rubble the following day.

On Saturday, Arlington County officials shared more details about the incident and released body camera footage showing the dramatic moment the house was completely destroyed.

James Yoo blew up his home in December as police tried to search his home.

The sequence began on December 4 when a patrol officer in the area heard what sounded like gunshots. Body cam footage shows the officer encountering frightened children at a nearby park. Reports of shots fired led officers to Yoo, who was seen firing flares from his duplex window. Despite attempts to contact him, Yoo refused to answer the door and continued shooting flares, ultimately firing over 40 in 25 minutes.

For two hours, officers remained on the scene, with neighbors describing Yoo as “reclusive” and noting his recent erratic behavior, including covering his windows with black trash bags and throwing garbage into his backyard. Authorities learned from Yoo's relatives that he had a history of mental illness and obtained a search warrant to recover any weapons inside the home.

An armored vehicle was deployed to breach the front door, during which several gunshots were heard from inside. Officers deployed tear gas in an attempt to get Yoo to surrender, but he remained inside. “James … I’m going to need you to come out slowly with your hands raised,” a cop is heard yelling in the footage.

The explosion was heard by residents miles away.

As police prepared to breach a window, the house exploded violently, sending debris flying. Officers ensured all emergency responders were safe before evacuating nearby residents. Yoo’s residence continued to burn.

The following day, Yoo's remains were found in the debris. Investigators also discovered gasoline canisters, three guns, two flare guns, magazines, ammunition, and spent flares at the scene.

Prior to his apparent suicide, Yoo had posted paranoid rants on social media about his neighbors and a former co-worker. His now-disabled LinkedIn account contained rambling conspiracy theories targeting government officials, law enforcement, media outlets, and neighbors, whom he accused of being spies.

Yoo had also filed multiple lawsuits, including against his ex-wife, younger sister, a moving company, and the New York Supreme Court for being committed to a hospital against his will. All suits were dismissed as frivolous.