Man charged with allegedly pointing laser at Marine One with Trump on board
Share this @internewscast.com

(The Hill) – A man has been charged after allegedly pointing a laser beam at Marine One while President Trump was on board Saturday, as detailed in a signed affidavit.

The affidavit, signed by Secret Service Officer Diego Santiago, claims that Jacob Samuel Winkler first pointed the laser at Santiago, then directed it towards Marine One.

Winkler faces charges of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, a felony with a penalty of up to five years in prison. The affidavit was also endorsed by D.C. District Court Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui.

Santiago reported observing Winkler “shirtless, talking to himself, and being loud” along Constitution Avenue. After Santiago directed a flashlight towards him, Winkler allegedly disoriented the officer with the laser before aiming it at the president’s helicopter.

Trump was traveling from the South Lawn of the White House to a private dinner in Mount Vernon, Va., on Saturday evening. Marine One took off shortly after 6 p.m. EDT.

The affidavit states Winkler’s actions “posed a risk of flash blindness and pilot disorientation, especially during low-level flight among nearby helicopters (U.S. Park Police, U.S. Marine Corps) and near the Washington Monument,” potentially endangering Marine One with the threat of an airborne collision.

Santiago then took the man into custody, after which he apologized to Trump. During an interview, the man admitted to pointing the laser beam at Marine One, and said he points it “at all kinds of thing, including stop signs.” Investigators also recovered a 3-inch fixed-blade knife from Winkler. 

The Hill has reached out to the White House and Secret Service for comment on the incident, and is working to determine whether Winkler has legal representation.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Hofstra fans take pride in team's hard-fought March Madness effort

Hofstra Supporters Celebrate Team’s Determined Performance in March Madness

Hofstra University fans are brimming with pride, celebrating their team’s remarkable achievement…
Shocking video shows sparks fly as out-of-control driver appears to drag cyclists down busy Harlem street in fatal crash

Fatal Harlem Crash: Shocking Video Captures Out-of-Control Driver Dragging Cyclists Amid Flying Sparks

A chilling scene unfolded on a bustling Harlem street as surveillance footage…
Boy, 16, falls to death while taking photos from cell tower at NYC park with skyline views: cops, sources

Tragic Accident: Teen Falls to Death from NYC Cell Tower While Capturing Skyline Photos

A tragic accident took the life of a 16-year-old boy on Friday…
Reigning NBA champion Thunder skipping White House visit

NBA Champions Thunder Choose to Pass on White House Visit

The reigning NBA champions, the Thunder, have decided to forego the traditional…
Chicago man Sheaves Slate charged with murder, arson in death of CFD firefighter Michael Altman, police say

Chicago Resident Accused of Murder and Arson in Tragic Death of Firefighter Michael Altman, Authorities Report

In a tragic turn of events this week, a 27-year-old man from…
Elderly DoorDash driver Richard Pulley receives nearly $1M from strangers after viral video, doesn't plan on retiring

Viral Video Leads to Almost $1M in Donations for Senior DoorDash Driver Richard Pulley, Who Keeps on Working

Despite receiving nearly $1 million in donations, 78-year-old Richard Pulley, a dedicated…
Cuban exiles in Miami say 'this is the end' for communism as island teeters on collapse

Cuban Exiles in Miami Anticipate Communism’s Demise Amid Island’s Uncertain Future

Unrest is mounting in Cuba as the nation grapples with widespread blackouts…
LA responds to lawsuit trying to demolish Marilyn Monroe house

Los Angeles Addresses Legal Challenge Over Potential Demolition of Marilyn Monroe’s Former Home

In an attempt to dismiss a federal lawsuit, Los Angeles city officials…
Career criminal accused of breaking into home, climbing into bed with child as family slept

Shocking Home Invasion: Career Criminal Charged with Disturbing Break-In While Family Slept

An Oklahoma man, known for his extensive criminal record, has been taken…
New York boasts high risk of alien abduction: study

New Study Reveals New Yorkers at Highest Risk for Alien Abductions

Chances of an unexpected extraterrestrial meeting in New York City have reportedly…
Stuffed animal dropped from Earth's stratosphere

Cuddly Toy Makes Epic Journey from Earth’s Stratosphere

Embarking on a lofty journey beyond any plushie’s past adventures. A tech…
Slain Loyola Chicago student's family fumes over 'murder,' manhunt for masked gunman in attack near campus

Family Outraged After Loyola Chicago Student’s Fatal Attack Sparks Manhunt for Masked Gunman Near Campus

The family of an 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago student, tragically killed near…