FBI Seattle field office seeking public information on laser incidents against planes

The FBI Seattle field office is asking the public to provide any information they may have on a spate of laser strikes near the Seattle-Tacoma and Spokane international airports in Washington state over the last year.

Pilots have reported dealing with an increased number of laser incidents while landing at the airports since March 2024.

Lasers can damage pilots’ vision and endanger crew and passengers.

From March through December 2024, 639 laser strikes occurred. Through the end of March this year, 197 incidents were reported. More than 80% of the incidents have happened after noon, with most concentrated during the night when lasers are more visible, Federal Aviation Administration data shows.

The FBI said it believes multiple people are responsible and that it doesn’t think the incidents at the two airports are connected.

Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime, punishable by up to five years in prison and a criminal fine of up to $250,000, the FBI said. In addition, the FAA issues civil fines, up to $11,000 per single violation and up to $30,800 for multiple violations.