Feds Target Spike in Laser Incidents Near Sea-Tac and Spokane Airports

The FBI recently announced cash rewards of up to $10,000 for tips that help investigators catch those involved in laser strike incidents in Washington state. This aims to tame the drastic spike in laser pointer events on planes approaching Seattle-Tacoma and Spokane.

Washington pilots reported 530 laser strike incidents in 2023. This fell the following year, with 384 incidents logged. With more than half of the year to go, 107 laser events have already been tallied.

These numbers may seem high, but Washington doesn’t even make the top ten states for highest laser strike numbers. California came in on top in 2024 with 1,489 reports, and Texas followed close behind with 1,463.

However, as noted by the FBI, pilots flying approaches into Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) and Spokane International (GEG) airports have reported a remarkably high number of laser strike incidents in the cockpit since March 2024. These events are not only hazardous for flight safety and pilot health, but they are also incredibly illegal. Those convicted could be hit with up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

In an effort to keep Washington pilots clear of the blinding lights, the FBI has offered up $10,000 to anyone who can provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved in laser strike incidents. The agency, working alongside local and federal teams, believes that multiple perpetrators are at large.

The FBI listed the SeaTac, Vashon, White Center, Burien, West Kent, Lake Meridian Park, East Hill, and Des Moines neighborhoods as reporting hot spots in the Seattle-Tacoma area, as well as the West Plains, Nine Mile Falls, Green Bluff, and Hillyard in Spokane. The agency does not believe that the Seattle and Spokane cases are connected, though all avenues are open in the investigation.

FMI: www.fbi.gov