Archive · 23 Sep 2025
Man Charged for Shining Laser at Trump's Helicopter
A man named Jacob Winkler was arrested for pointing a laser at Marine One, the helicopter that carries Donald Trump.
He was standing near the White House when he shined the laser at the helicopter as it took off.
The authorities said his actions could have put the pilots at risk.
Winkler was charged with aiming a laser at an aircraft, which is a felony.
He later said he did not realize it was illegal and that he points the laser at various objects.
A man was charged with aiming a laser at Marine One.
The incident occurred as the helicopter was taking off from near the White House.
The suspect is identified as Jacob Samuel Winkler, age 33.
Winkler faces up to five years in prison.
Authorities say his actions posed a risk of flash blindness and pilot disorientation.
- Who
- Jacob Samuel Winkler
- What
- Shone a laser pointer at Marine One.
- When
- Saturday
- Where
- Outside the White House grounds.
- Why
- The filing states that the laser use posed a risk to the aircraft.
- Suspect
- Jacob Samuel Winkler
- Age
- 33
- Charge
- Aiming laser at aircraft
- Potential Sentence
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Incident Location
- Outside White House grounds
- Aircraft
- Marine One