On September 22, US Federal police announced that they had arrested a man near the White House after he was accused of projecting lazer on a Marine One helicopter carrying President Donald Trump.
According to the US Secret Service, the incident occurred in the evening when the Marine One helicopter group was preparing to land at the southern grassy of the White House. The blue laser was determined to have hit the cockpit, but the pilot controlled the situation and landed the President safely.
The Secret Service quickly followed the light source and discovered the suspect holding a high-powered laser device. This person was immediately restrained and taken for questioning. The identity of this person has not been officially announced, but the subject may face federal charges related to military interference.
According to experts, projecting laser onto the plane is an especially dangerous act, which can blind the pilot, causing loss of control. In 2023, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded more than 10,000 similar incidents, mostly targeting civil aircraft.
After the incident, the White House affirmed that President Trump was safe and continued his normal working schedule. The Secret Service spokeswoman said the agency will increase airspace surveillance around Washington, D.C., to prevent similar risks.
The incident occurred just weeks after the White House upgraded protection systems around the White House area and flights by the President. Security officials said this is a serious reminder about the dangers of cheap tools but poses a high risk to aviation safety and national security.
