DOJ Files Federal Charges Against Man For Pointing Laser At Marine One While President Trump Was On Board

This was another direct attack against President Trump.

The DOJ has filed charges against a man for allegedly pointing a laser pointer at Marine One while President Trump was on board.

The incident occurred while Trump was departing the White House’s South Grounds.

Newsweek reported more on the laser-pointing incident and identified the man charged:

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed federal charges against Jacob Winkler for allegedly aiming a laser pointer at Marine One while President Donald Trump was aboard the presidential helicopter on September 20, according to court documents obtained by Newsweek.

The incident occurred on Constitution Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., as Trump departed from the White House South Grounds.

This latest incident represents a threat to presidential security during a critical phase of transport operations. Marine One was flying at low altitude over heavily populated areas, including The Ellipse, Constitution Avenue, and Washington Monument grounds, where large crowds regularly gather to observe presidential movements.

Federal prosecutors have been aggressively pursuing such cases nationwide, as demonstrated by the August indictment of Aaron Randall Class, 53, of North Kansas City, Missouri, for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft in November 2024.

Class faces up to five years in federal prison under the same statute.

The criminal complaint was filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Officer Diego Santiago of the U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division was securing Marine One’s flight path when he observed the suspect directing a red laser beam at the aircraft.

The incident unfolded as Santiago patrolled near 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, securing the flight path for Marine One’s departure. According to the Secret Service affidavit, he observed Winkler walking westbound on the south sidewalk from 210 16th Street NW toward 17th Street NW, appearing shirtless and talking loudly to himself.

🚨 BREAKING: Jacob Samuel Winkler has been charged with a felony for allegedly aiming a laser at Marine One while President Trump was on board Saturday, according to the DOJ.

He faces up to five years in prison for directing a laser pointer at an aircraft.

Reckless behavior. pic.twitter.com/ZNqFXw20Jp

— Salty Republican Rocker II (@GGLAW3) September 23, 2025

The FAA has previously warned of an uptick in laser pointing incidents:

In recent weeks, pilots flying in New Jersey reported almost 300% more laser incidents than during the same period last year. Shining lasers at aircraft is a federal crime and a safety threat to pilots. #LoseTheLaser! https://t.co/wkECkNA6pW 📽️warning: strobing lights pic.twitter.com/6FnqVgLjoe

— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) December 19, 2024

The FAA on its website states there was over 12,000 laser pointing incidents in 2024 alone:

Laser pointers may seem like a toy, office tool, or game. Pointed to the sky, lasers are a serious threat. A laser can incapacitate pilots, putting thousands of passengers at risk every year. Pilots reported 12,840 laser strikes to the FAA in 2024.

Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime. U.S. law enforcement agencies and the Federal Aviation Administration may seek criminal and civil prosecution against violators.

People who shine lasers at aircraft face FAA fines of up to $32,646 per violation. The FAA issued $120,000 in fines for laser strikes in 2021.

What do you think?