WASHINGTON (AP) — A startling incident involving the helicopter carrying President Donald Trump has led to the arrest of Jacob Samuel Winkler on federal charges. Winkler is accused of directing a laser pointer at Marine One while it was flying near the White House, a felony that could lead to a maximum sentence of five years behind bars.
The situation unfolded on Saturday when a U.S. Secret Service patrol officer noticed Winkler on the sidewalk, behaving erratically. The officer reported that Winkler was shirtless and loudly talking to himself; after shining a flashlight at Winkler, the man retaliated by pointing a red laser beam at the officer's face.
As Marine One passed overhead, Winkler allegedly aimed the laser at the helicopter. After being detained, he reportedly expressed a desire to apologize to Trump. Details surrounding the incident raise concerns about the safety implications, as the officer stated that Winkler's actions could have potentially blinded or disoriented a pilot, endangering the flight.
The court documents do not confirm whether anyone aboard the helicopter noticed the laser pointer. Winkler's bizarre statements included claims of pointing lasers at various objects and an apparent unawareness of the risks involved with aiming one at an aircraft. Additionally, a small knife was found in his possession at the time of arrest.
