The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed federal charges against Jacob Winkler for allegedly directing a laser pointer at Marine One, the helicopter transporting former President Donald Trump, on September 20. The incident occurred as Trump departed the White House’s South Grounds along Constitution Avenue NW in Washington, D.C.

According to court documents obtained by Newsweek, U.S. Secret Service Officer Diego Santiago observed Winkler walking westbound on the south sidewalk near 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Winkler was described as shirtless and speaking loudly to himself while pointing a red laser beam at Marine One. The helicopter was flying at low altitude over densely populated areas, including The Ellipse and the Washington Monument grounds, where large crowds gather.

The FAA has reported over 12,000 laser-pointing incidents in 2024 alone, with pilots documenting 12,840 laser strikes. Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime, carrying fines of up to $32,646 per violation. In August, Aaron Randall Class of Missouri faced similar charges for targeting an aircraft in November 2024, potentially facing five years in prison under the same statute.

The criminal complaint was filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. No further details about Winkler’s intentions or potential sentencing were provided in the released documents.