A Minnesota man has been sentenced to two years in prison for aiming a laser pointer at a plane. The man, whose name is not being released by authorities, was sentenced on Friday, April 14th, by U.S. District Judge Ann Montgomery.
According to court documents, the incident took place on August 19th, 2021, when the man pointed a green laser at an aircraft that was landing at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The laser beam hit the cockpit of the plane, temporarily blinding the pilots and putting the lives of the passengers in danger.
The man was quickly identified by airport police and was taken into custody. He was charged with one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, a federal crime that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
During his sentencing hearing, the man apologized for his actions and expressed remorse for the harm he caused. He told the judge that he had no intention of hurting anyone and that he was simply playing with the laser pointer.
However, Judge Montgomery said that the man’s actions were reckless and posed a serious threat to the safety of the passengers and crew on board the plane. She noted that incidents involving laser pointers and aircraft are becoming more frequent and that the consequences can be catastrophic.
“Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a serious crime that can cause blindness, disorientation, and even a crash,” Montgomery said. “The defendant’s conduct endangered the lives of the passengers and crew on board the plane, and he must be held accountable for his actions.”
In addition to his prison sentence, the man was ordered to pay restitution to the airline and to participate in a program aimed at educating the public about the dangers of laser pointers.
The incident serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can result from pointing a laser at an aircraft. As laser pointers become more powerful and more readily available, it is important for the public to be aware of the dangers and to use these devices responsibly. Laser pointers should never be aimed at aircraft, as doing so can result in severe penalties and potentially catastrophic consequences.
