Last year, authorities received over 11,000 complaints related to laser strikes, the director said.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is working with partners to crack down “laser strikes” and other abuse of lasers, especially during events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026, agency director Kash Patel said on Monday.
“Laser strikes are a federal crime that can lead to prison time and a hefty fine,” Patel said in a June 8 post on X. “Not only are they disruptive, they are extremely dangerous, particularly when it comes to those targeting aircrafts.” Intentionally pointing lasers at aircrafts can distract pilots and impede their ability to maneuver the airplane.
The announcement is part of the FBI’s efforts to secure the World Cup games in the United States. Last month, Patel announced that 59 regional Homeland Security Task Forces will be part of ensuring the safety of the tournament. Last week, the FBI’s Miami office announced the enforcement of “No Drone Zones” around South Florida during the World Cup matches.
In 2025, there were more than 11,000 complaints involving laser strikes, according to Patel. Last year, the FBI investigated 57 incidents and are currently probing several more.
People charged with pointing lasers at aircraft may face criminal and civil prosecution, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a June 3 statement. Such individuals can face fines of up to $32,646 per violation.
In 2026, there have so far been 2,797 reported incidents of laser hazards, with an average of around 23 occurrences per day. Since 2023, the number of laser strikes reported to the FAA has always exceeded 10,000 incidents every single year, according to FAA data.
In his X post, Patel detailed a few FBI investigations related to the issue. In Oregon, a man pleaded guilty to pointing a green laser at a Customs and Border Protection helicopter. The pilot was forced to abort a planned landing.
In Ohio, a man was charged in court with aiming a laser at an Ohio State Highway Patrol helicopter while it was on its flight path. In another incident, an individual from New Mexico was charged with aiming a laser at a law enforcement helicopter, with the laser hitting the pilot’s eyes repeatedly.
