June 8: Preventing laser strikes during the
@FIFAWorldCup
Over 11,000 complaints involving laser strikes were made in 2025. The FBI takes the threat seriously and has worked closely with the FAA and other partners to clamp down on crimes involving laser pointing particularly during major events like the World Cup. We investigated 57 incidents last year and have several more cases ongoing in 2026.
Laser strikes are a federal crime that can lead to prison time and a hefty fine – not only are they disruptive, they are extremely dangerous, particularly when it comes to those targeting aircrafts.
Safety is paramount during the tournament, and this
@FBI and our partners want to be crystal clear when it comes to laser strikes: do not under any circumstance point a laser at any airborne aircraft during this historic event.
A few recent FBI investigations:
- An Oregon man pled guilty to pointing a green laser at a Customs and Border Protection helicopter, forcing it to abort its planned landing.
- An Albuquerque man was charged with aiming a laser at a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office helicopter during an operation, striking the cockpit over a dozen times with repeated hits to the pilot’s eyes.
- A resident of Toledo, Ohio, was arrested and charged in federal court with aiming a laser at an Ohio State Highway Patrol helicopter while on its flight path.
Know the law and its consequences. Stay alert and report any suspicious activities by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting
tips.fbi.gov