Man Charged in Marine One Laser Strike

A shirtless man who allegedly pointed a laser at Marine One, with President Donald Trump aboard, in front of a Secret Service officer on Saturday has been charged with a felony. In a court filing reported by numerous outlets, it’s alleged Jacob Samuel Winkler pointed the red laser at the helicopter while it flew overhead after departure from the South Lawn of the White House. According to a statement of facts (copied below), the Secret Service officer Diego Santiago, who was assigned to secure the area below the flight path on a bicycle, was also hit with the laser beam just before he subdued the man, took away the laser, and handcuffed him.

“From Officer Santiago ‘s training and experience, Officer Santiago immediately identified D1’s action as a danger to Marine One and everyone on-board. D1’s conduct posed a risk of flash blindness and pilot disorientation, especially during low-level flight near other helicopters (U.S. Park Police, U.S. Marine Corps) and the Washington Monument,” the statement said. “This placed Marine One at risk of an airborne collision.” The statement said Santiago spotted Winkler walking on Constitution Avenue talking loudly and shined his flashlight on him to get a better look. The suspect then allegedly shone the laser on Santiago before pointing it at Marine One, which was at low altitude and directly overhead.