Who is US Conspiracy Theorist James Yoo, What’s Mystery Behind Blast at His Virginia Home?

An American man being dubbed as a paranoid conspiracy theorist was presumed dead after his home in the US state of Virginia, exploded into flames and burned for hours on Monday night as the police were preparing to search the house to investigate reports of possible gunfire. James Yoo, 56, from Arlington, reportedly caused a destructive explosion at his home. The incident unfolded when Yoo fired over thirty flares, resulting in a fireball that engulfed his property.

Authorities later discovered human remains at the scene. “Based on the preliminary investigation of the incident, we believe the resident of the home, James Yoo, 56, of Arlington, VA is the involved suspect. The suspect was inside the residence at the time of the explosion.

Human remains have been located at the scene which are presumed to be the suspect,” the Arlington Police Department said in a statement released on December 5 . Yoo’s peculiar beliefs were evident in his social media posts and deleted LinkedIn handle. A post from December 1 claimed his neighbours were spies planning to assassinate him, accompanied by other anti-American sentiments, according to US media reports.

He even referred to his ex-wife as a “witch. ” The sprawling complaint included biographical details, such as who was at his wedding, and also wove in facts about who was president of the United States at the time. Yoo described how his then-wife drove him to Rochester General Hospital in November 2015 “against his will.

” His LinkedIn profile identified him as the former Head of Information and Physical Security for an international telecommunications company. He had a history of communication with the FBI, primarily raising complaints about alleged frauds perpetrated against him. Yoo was known as a “loner” by fellow residents, who believed locals were conducting surveillance on his house and providing information to US authorities.

In a social media post, Yoo accused specific individuals of being spies, alleging a conspiracy against him. He claimed they were “working with the witch and the alien,” plotting a “surprise attack” against him on December 7, the Pearl Harbor attack anniversary. Yoo had a history of filing lawsuits against state and federal authorities.

Each of the four lawsuits was filed between 2018 and 2022. The courts dismissed his suit against his ex-wife, younger sister, a moving company and the New York Supreme Court. In 2018, Yoo filed a 163-page federal lawsuit in New York against his then-wife, younger sister and a hospital after he said he was committed against his will.

He alleged conspiracy and deprivation of his rights, among other crimes. The explosion, captured in a viral video, occurred as police attempted to execute a search warrant at Yoo’s residence. Subsequently, Yoo discharged several rounds inside the home, leading to the explosion.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Police has asked that anyone with photos or video of the area share them with investigators. (With agency inputs).