SEATAC, Wash. — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced they are offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in laser incidents on aircraft in Washington state.
Since March 2024, pilots approaching Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Spokane International Airport have reported a significant rise in laser incidents, according to the FBI.
The FBI said aircraft have been targeted by lasers illuminating and tracking their cockpits, particularly during landing approaches.
In Spokane, neighborhoods such as West Plains, Nine Mile Falls, Green Bluff, and Hillyard have reported incidents. In Seattle, affected areas include SeaTac, Vashon, White Center, Burien, West Kent, Lake Meridian Park, East Hill, and Des Moines, wrote the FBI.
The FBI, in collaboration with local and federal agencies, believes multiple individuals are responsible for these incidents but does not think the Seattle and Spokane cases are connected. The agency is urging the public to provide any information that could help identify and locate those responsible.
The FBI said Lasers aimed at aircraft can disrupt landings and pose a risk to flight crews, passengers, and residents.
The act of pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the FBI.
