14 DAY TRIAL // Many people think that pointing a laser at an aircraft is harmless fun. In reality, lasing is very dangerous since it can temporarily blind pilots and endanger both their lives and the ones of people on the ground.
That is why the FBI has announced that it’s offering up to $10,000 (€7,300) to those who can provide information that leads to the arrest of individuals involved in such activities.
Last year, close to 4,000 incidents were recorded. The agency says that people of all ages have aimed lasers at airplanes and helicopters.
“If you think this is a prank, I can assure you that it is not. This is a felony — a federal crime — for which you can be placed in federal prison for up to five years,” John Kitzinger, the chief of the Violent Crimes Unit, said.