A man was charged with a federal felony Monday after allegedly pointing a laser at Marine One while President Donald Trump was onboard. Jacob Samuel Winkler was charged with one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, which can amount to five years in prison. Officer Diego Santiago first noticed Winkler walking near Constitution Avenue in Washington D.C. shirtless while “talking to himself and being loud,” according to an affidavit. Santiago shined his flashlight at the man, which then prompted Winkler to aim a red laser at the officer’s eyes, which “briefly disoriented him.” During this time, the Marine One aircraft was flying relatively low above the two individuals, and Winkler allegedly pointed the beam at it. Santiago said the laser “posed a risk of flash blindness and pilot disorientation,” and handcuffed Winkler immediately. Upon being handcuffed, Winkler reportedly repeated the statements, “I should apologize to Donald Trump,” and “I apologize to Donald Trump.” Along with the red laser, investigators also found a three-inch fixed-blade knife on the suspect. Winkler had admitted to pointing the red laser at Marine One, but said he did not know that was not allowed, stating he pointed the laser at all kinds of things.
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