Federal Authorities Pursue Investigations on Aircraft Disrupted by Laser Beams
Laser Attacks on Aircraft in Washington State: Here's What You Need to Know
It's no joke, folks! The FBI is currently offering a cool $10,000 for any juicy tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of those culprits responsible for laser incidents on aircraft in Washington state. And let me tell ya, these incidents are causing quite a stir!
According to the FBI, the increase in these laser incidents has been particularly noticeable for pilots approaching Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA) and Spokane International Airport (KGEG)[1]. In fact, between January and March, Washington State racked up a whopping 107 laser strike incidents, as reported by KING-TV, our beloved NBC affiliate in Seattle[1].
But wait, there's more! These laser attacks have been reported from various neighborhoods that fall under the approach and departure path of Sea-Tac airport. In bustling Seattle, neighborhoods such as SeaTac, Vashon, White Center, Burien, West Kent, Lake Meridian Park, East Hill, and Des Moines have experienced these lasery shenanigans[1]. On the other hand, laser incidents in Spokane were reported from Nine Mile Falls, West Plains, Green Bluff, and Hillyard[1].
The FBI isn't playing games here, and they're not linking these laser incidents in Seattle and Spokane[1]. They're working hand in hand with local law enforcement and are urging the public to help identify and locate the masterminds behind these dangerous acts.
Why so serious, you might ask? Well, when an aircraft is targeted by these laser beams, the cockpit gets filled with a blinding light that can leave pilots incapacitated and compromise the landing[1]. Scary stuff!
It's important to note that this isn't a new issue. In 2012, a federal statute was passed that made it a felony to intentionally direct a laser pointer's beam at an aircraft, whether it's a commercial, private, or military aircraft, or if the laser is shone in the flight path[1]. Convicted individuals face hefty federal fines of up to $250,000 and a five-year prison sentence[1].
The FBI has dedicated quite a few pages of updates to laser attacks involving aircraft across the country[1]. Now, the FAA is keeping track of laser strikes, reporting a staggering 12,840 incidents in 2024[1]. The FAA also doles out fines for these laser attacks, with penalties as high as $11,000 per violation and $30,800 for multiple events[1].
So, if you or anyone you know has information about these laser incidents, we urge you to come forward! It's time to put a stop to these dangerous pranks and ensure the safety of our skies!
- Extra Tidbit: An Alaskan woman was sentenced to jail in 2017 for shining a laser at military helicopters[1]. Sheacing laser light at aircraft is serious business, folks!
[1] KING-TV, Seattle NBC affiliate, data from FAA.
- The FBI is offering a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for laser incidents on aircraft in Washington state, particularly incidents near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Spokane International Airport.
- Between January and March, Washington State reported 107 incidents of lasers being pointed at aircraft, according to KING-TV, a Seattle-based NBC affiliate.
- Areas affected by these laser attacks in Seattle include SeaTac, Vashon, White Center, Burien, West Kent, Lake Meridian Park, East Hill, and Des Moines, while in Spokane they were reported from Nine Mile Falls, West Plains, Green Bluff, and Hillyard.
- Laser attacks on aircraft can be dangerous as they can temporarily blind pilots and compromise the aircraft's landing.
- In 2012, a federal statute was passed making it a felony to intentionally direct a laser pointer's beam at an aircraft, and convicted individuals can face hefty fines and five years in prison.
- The FAA is keeping track of laser strikes and reported 12,840 incidents in 2024, and the FAA also fines individuals for these incidents with penalties up to $30,800 for multiple events.
