A man has been detained after allegedly pointing a laser at Marine One, the presidential plane carrying President Donald Trump. The incident occurred as Marine One departed from the White House lawns. Jacob Samuel Winkler is accused of violating a federal law by aiming a red laser beam at the aircraft, posing a risk to pilots and causing “flash blindness” and disorientation.
Winkler was reportedly shirtless and acting erratically when approached by a Secret Service officer who shone his flashlight in his face. The officer alleged that Winkler pointed the laser back at him before quickly detaining him. Investigators found a laser pointer, a three-inch knife, and Winkler’s admission that he aimed the laser at Marine One, but claimed not to know it was prohibited.
Winkler is being charged with violating federal law, which prohibits aiming a laser beam at an aircraft or its flight path. The incident raises concerns about security risks and potential harm to those in the vicinity of Marine One.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/22/suspect-detained-marine-one-laser-00575459