Law enforcement reiterate dangers of pointing lasers at aircraft
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, law enforcement is reiterating the danger of individuals or groups pointing a laser into the air.
An act that may be intended as fun or a prank could impair an aircraft pilots’ vision and potentially cause an accident. Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.
“As law enforcement continues to see a rise in these incidents, the FBI is putting an emphasis on educating the public on the dangers of lasing. Many may not fully realize that pointing a laser into the sky can cause significant and even potentially life-threatening consequences to aircraft personnel and passengers. If you are intentionally pointing a laser at an aircraft, the FBI will do everything in its power to find you and ensure you are prosecuted.” said Stephen A. Cyrus, FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge.
Pointing a laser at an aircraft is extremely dangerous and puts the lives of the passengers and pilots at risk. This action poses an imminent threat to aviation safety with the potential to cause grave danger.
“Lasing” an aircraft can temporarily blind a pilot, causing a loss of control and the plane to divert and make an emergency landing. This can also delay or strand hundreds of passengers.
“I fully support the FBI’s initiative to alert the public to the danger of pointing lasers at an aircraft. This isn’t a harmless prank. It is a federal felony. If you knowingly point a laser at an aircraft, our law enforcement partners will find you and my office will prosecute you,” said United States Attorney Matt Price.
When aimed at an aircraft from the ground, a handheld laser can travel more than several miles into the air and illuminate an aircraft cockpit. Lasers can cause the following to pilots in flight:
• Pilot Blindness (temporary or permanent)
• Distraction
• Glare
• Loss of Night Vision
• Disorientation
• Retinal Bruising
• May cause aircraft to alter flight path • Worst case scenario – crash
“Laser strikes targeting aircraft are among the most pressing emerging threats to aviation safety. What might appear as a harmless act to someone on the ground can temporarily blind pilots during critical phases of flight, jeopardizing the safety of hundreds of lives. The Transportation Security Administration works closely with federal partners, including the FAA and FBI, to address and prevent this dangerous behavior within the transportation sector,” said TSA Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Duerr
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began tracking laser strikes in 2005, and the data has shown a steady increase in laser strikes.
Between October 2023 and April 2025, there were more than 650 laser strikes against aircrafts in Missouri, which occurred in more than 60 cities. Approximately 40% of those strikes occurred between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Aircraft laser strikes have increased year over year since 2023. In 2023, there were approximately 200 laser strikes against aircrafts. That number rose in 2024 to more than 300. In the first six months of 2025, strikes number close to 150.
For more information on the data, media can visit: https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/lasers.
“Pointing lasers at an aircraft is not a prank—it’s a serious crime that endangers pilots, passengers, and people on the ground. The Kansas City Police Department urges the public to report these dangerous acts immediately to help us ensure the safety of our skies,” said Darin Lutz, a helicopter pilot with KCPD.
These attacks are perpetrated on all types of aircraft, not just commercial airlines. Reports have been
received of lasing attacks on commercial aircraft, police aircraft, and even medical transport helicopters.
All types of aircraft are targets, and law enforcement is committed to finding and prosecuting those who
violate federal law and point lasers at airplanes – ultimately putting lives at risk.
“The North Kansas City Police Department appreciates our relationships with our regional and federal partners, working together to hold folks accountable for these very dangerous actions,” said Kevin Freeman, Chief of the North Kansas City Police Department.
Because of the dangers associated with these types of attacks, law enforcement is asking the public to refrain from pointing lasers in the air. Law enforcement is also working to educate the public on these dangers. The FBI also plans to share this PSA with school district safety officers in Missouri and Kansas, so that students and parents can be aware of the associated dangers of lasering.
Recently, an individual in the Kansas City area was charged in a federal indictment for allegedly aiminga laser pointer at an aircraft. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/man-charged-aiming-laser-pointer- aircraft It’s important to note that the charges contained in that indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
Under federal law, knowingly aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is felony offense carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine (18 U.S.C. 39A). Additionally, an individual can be charged with Interference with An Aircraft (19 U.S.C. 32) and face up to 20 years in prison. The FAA can also impose civil penalties with fines.
If you have information about a lasing incident, or see someone pointing a laser at an aircraft, contact the Kansas City FBI at 816-512-8200. You can also call the nearest local law enforcement agency immediately by dialing 911 or consult the FAA web site.