Hundreds of dangerous laser strikes on commercial aircraft in Washington State have prompted a massive FBI investigation as reckless perpetrators risk creating deadly aviation disasters.
Key Takeaways
- A significant surge in laser attacks targeting aircraft near Seattle-Tacoma and Spokane International Airports has occurred since March 2024
- Pilots report lasers illuminating and tracking cockpits during critical landing approaches, creating potentially catastrophic situations
- Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal offense carrying penalties up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
- The FBI is actively seeking public assistance to identify multiple perpetrators responsible for the attacks
- The FAA documented over 13,000 laser strikes nationwide in 2023, with green lasers being particularly dangerous for pilots
Alarming Increase in Aircraft Laser Attacks Across Washington
A troubling wave of laser attacks targeting commercial aircraft has erupted across Washington State, with the FBI reporting hundreds of incidents near both Seattle-Tacoma and Spokane International Airports since March 2024. Pilots have described alarming situations where lasers actively track and illuminate cockpits during critical flight phases, particularly during landing approaches when aircraft are most vulnerable. These deliberate acts endanger thousands of passengers daily and could easily trigger catastrophic aviation incidents if pilots experience temporary blindness at crucial moments.
The FBI believes multiple individuals are responsible for these attacks, but has not established connections between the Seattle and Spokane cases. In Seattle, the affected areas include SeaTac, Vashon, White Center, Burien, West Kent, Lake Meridian Park, East Hill, and Des Moines. Spokane neighborhoods experiencing these incidents include West Plains, Nine Mile Falls, Green Bluff, and Hillyard. The concerning pattern suggests organized or copycat criminal behavior rather than isolated incidents.
FBI Seattle has released a seeking info poster about laser strikes at airports. This serious federal offence can cause vision injuries to pilots & endanger passengers. If you see someone aiming a laser at an aircraft, report to the #FBI at https://t.co/1ci6yDdaYq pic.twitter.com/aIVGZRGIZb
— FBI Seattle (@FBISeattle) April 23, 2025
Severe Legal Consequences Await Perpetrators
Anyone engaging in these dangerous activities faces severe federal penalties. Pointing a laser at an aircraft constitutes a federal offense punishable by up to five years in prison and fines reaching $250,000. The FBI is actively collaborating with local and federal authorities, utilizing advanced technology, including infrared cameras, to pinpoint the sources of these laser strikes. Law enforcement is determined to identify and prosecute those responsible for these reckless acts that threaten national transportation security.
“Lasers pointed at an aircraft can interfere with landing and can increase the risk of injury to flight crew, passengers, and citizens within the local area,” said the FBI.
The FBI Seattle field office has issued urgent calls for public assistance in identifying those responsible. Citizens with information about individuals engaging in laser pointer attacks are strongly encouraged to contact the FBI immediately through their local office, embassy, consulate, or by submitting tips online. This public-private partnership approach recognizes that observant community members may possess crucial information that could prevent a potential aviation disaster.
Lethal Danger in Green Light
Green lasers pose particularly severe threats to aviation safety, as they cause flash blindness and create intensified glare when penetrating cockpit windows. The FAA documented more than 13,000 laser strikes against aircraft nationwide in 2023 alone, showing this isn’t just a Washington problem but a growing national security concern. Even consumer-grade laser pointers can project beams for miles, making them dangerous weapons when directed at aircraft thousands of feet in the air.
“If we can prevent one catastrophe, prevent one pilot from being blinded, that makes it worth it,” said Melissa Ventresca, supervisory special agent at FBI San Antonio.
The timing of this surge in attacks raises questions about whether these are coordinated efforts or simply reckless individuals unaware of the deadly consequences of their actions. Aviation safety experts emphasize that even momentary pilot distraction or vision impairment during critical flight phases could lead to midair collisions or botched landings. The FBI is prioritizing public education on the dangers of laser pointers while simultaneously pursuing criminal investigations to ensure those responsible face justice.
