Popular Weapons YouTube Show Host Raided by ATF Agents for Using Explosives and 'Getting Paid

The host of a popular weapons YouTube channel, which also frequently features explosives, had close to 40 government agents show up at his Georgia house this week.

Kyle Myers (Image: YouTube)

According to the Athens Banner-Herald, the agents with the U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and state and county law enforcement went to the Carnesville home of 26-year-old Kyle Myers, who runs the YouTube channel FPS Russia, which has nearly 4 million subscribers. The agents went to his home, ATF spokesman Richard Coes said, to find explosives that might be in violation of federal law.

The violation, according to Coes, was that Myer was being paid for his use of explosives.

“The claim is that he was using explosives and getting paid for it via YouTube,” Coes told the Banner-Herald, noting that if a person is going to sell, distribute or use explosives for business, they need a federal explosives manufacturing license.

A similar restriction was recently reported about as it pertains to companies using drones, or unmanned aerial systems for their business, like videography or photography. TheBlaze reported a Minnesota company recently being told by the FAA that they couldn't use their equipment under current regulations because they were getting paid for it. Hobbyists, on the other hand, are able to fly such systems.

Coes told the Banner-Herald no arrests were made during the raid that took place at both Myers' home and that of his parent's Tuesday. No firearms were seized but he was not sure if explosives were taken.

There is an ongoing investigation in to the death of Myers' 32-year-old business partner Keith Ratliff, who was found dead outside of FPS Industries on January 3. Ratliff too filmed videos for the popular YouTube channel.

The Banner-Herald reported that law enforcement would not comment on suspects or persons of interest in the case.

Myers is reported to have not been at home and his father was not reachable.

Here's FPS Russia's latest video, which was posted a few days ago and had more than 1 million views:

--

Related:

• FAA Halts Drone Photography Business Over Regulations
• 'Foot on the Necks of Innovation': Drone Business Alleges Curious Case of Gov't Hypocrisy as Feds Try to Stifle Its Work

(H/T: Business Insider)