FBI investigates surge of laser pointing incidents at Washington airports
Apr 24, 2025, 7:56 AM | Updated: 7:56 am
The FBI is working to stop a surge of laser-pointing incidents involving airplanes in the Seattle and Spokane areas. (Photo by Anda Chu/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images)
(Photo by Anda Chu/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images)
The FBI is working to stop a surge of laser-pointing incidents involving airplanes in the Seattle and Spokane areas.
“Since March 2024, aircraft in the surrounding areas of Seattle-Tacoma (SeaTac – SEA) and Spokane (GEG) International Airports in Washington state have experienced a dramatic increase in laser incidents,” according to an FBI news release. “Pilots landing at the airports have experienced a laser illuminating and tracking the cockpit of their aircraft, especially while on approach to land at SEA and GEG.”
Incidents have been reported in locations across the Seattle area, including SeaTac, Vashon, White Center, Burien, West Kent, Lake Meridian Park, East Hill, and Des Moines. In Spokane, reports have come in from the West Plains, Nine Mile Falls, Green Bluff, and Hillyard areas.
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The FBI believes multiple people are responsible for these incidents. However, the bureau does not think the Seattle incidents are related to those in Spokane.
“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,” the release said. “Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a federal offense and carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.”
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or their local FBI office. Tips can also be submitted online here.
