US Secret Service Officer Watched Him Point a Red Laser at Marine One

33-year-old Jacob Samuel Winkler was charged with a felony on September 22 after pointing a laser at the presidential helicopter, Marine One, right in front of a uniformed Secret Service officer. President Trump was aboard the helicopter at the time, headed for Mount Vernon to speak at the American Cornerstone Institute.

“This behavior endangers Marine One and everyone on board,” said Jeanine Pirro, the United States attorney for Washington, DC. “If you engage in this act, you will be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The incident took place on the evening of September 22 as the helicopter took off from the White House. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Jacob Samuel Winkler, was found by a uniformed Secret Service officer standing shirtless on Constitution Avenue, loudly talking to himself. According to an affidavit, the officer pointed Winkler with a flashlight, and Winkler responded by shining a red laser beam back at him. Then, as Marine One flew passed low overhead, Winkler allegedly turned the laser to the helicopter.

Court documents state that Winkler’s actions “placed Marine One at risk of an airborne collision,” with the potential for the pilots to experience flash blindness or disorientation.

Winkler was arrested on the scene, where a search also turned up a small knife in his possession. He reportedly told investigators that he points the laser at “all kinds of things, such as stop signs,” and did not realize it was illegal to target an aircraft. While in custody, he repeatedly told officers that he should apologize to Trump.

He has been charged with aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Federal Aviation Administration may also impose additional civil penalties of up to $32,000. A federal public defender has been assigned to represent him.

Federal officials have increased enforcement of laser strikes in recent years, with the FAA reporting 5,913 incidents nationwide so far in 2025, six of which resulted in injuries. Winkler is Exhibit A of paying the price, now facing trial in federal court.

FMI: www.hmx-1.marines.mil