WASHINGTON (AP) — Jacob Samuel Winkler has been arrested on a federal charge after allegedly shining a laser pointer at Marine One, the helicopter carrying President Donald Trump. The legal filing from Monday details that Winkler is charged with aiming a beam at an aircraft, a felony with a potential prison sentence of up to five years.
The incident occurred while Marine One was in flight near the White House on Saturday. A U.S. Secret Service patrol officer reported that Winkler was seen walking shirtless and speaking loudly to himself. After being illuminated by the officer's flashlight, Winkler retaliated by pointing a red laser beam at the officer's face.
As the helicopter flew overhead, Winkler directed the laser at Marine One, prompting an immediate arrest. During his detention, he repeatedly expressed a desire to apologize to Trump, as noted in the affidavit.
Although the court records do not indicate whether anyone on the helicopter noticed the laser, the officer highlighted the serious implications of Winkler's actions, which could have temporarily blinded or disoriented the pilot, creating a risk of collision with other aircraft.
Winkler told investigators he often points lasers at things like stop signs, claiming ignorance of the laws regarding aiming them at aircraft. Additionally, law enforcement found a small knife in his possession at the time of his arrest.
The incident occurred while Marine One was in flight near the White House on Saturday. A U.S. Secret Service patrol officer reported that Winkler was seen walking shirtless and speaking loudly to himself. After being illuminated by the officer's flashlight, Winkler retaliated by pointing a red laser beam at the officer's face.
As the helicopter flew overhead, Winkler directed the laser at Marine One, prompting an immediate arrest. During his detention, he repeatedly expressed a desire to apologize to Trump, as noted in the affidavit.
Although the court records do not indicate whether anyone on the helicopter noticed the laser, the officer highlighted the serious implications of Winkler's actions, which could have temporarily blinded or disoriented the pilot, creating a risk of collision with other aircraft.
Winkler told investigators he often points lasers at things like stop signs, claiming ignorance of the laws regarding aiming them at aircraft. Additionally, law enforcement found a small knife in his possession at the time of his arrest.
