Man Cleared of Laser Incident Involving Marine One Carrying Trump

A man from Washington, Jacob Samuel Winkler, has been acquitted of charges related to a laser incident involving Marine One, the presidential helicopter transporting then-President Donald Trump. The jury reached a verdict of not guilty after a brief 35-minute deliberation on Tuesday. This incident occurred in September when Winkler was accused of aiming a laser pointer at the helicopter as it departed from the White House.

Details of the Incident

Winkler, aged 33, faced serious allegations of pointing a laser at an aircraft, a federal felony. The Federal Aviation Administration warns that such actions may disorient or incapacitate pilots. During the incident, Winkler was reportedly standing on Constitution Avenue when a Secret Service officer noticed a red laser beam directed at Marine One. At the time, the helicopter was flying low shortly after taking off from the White House’s South grounds, with President Trump onboard en route to Virginia for a speech.

Prosecution and Defense Arguments

• Winkler was registered as a loud individual who reportedly talked to himself and was not wearing a shirt.
• The Secret Service officer had aimed a flashlight at Winkler prior to the incident.
• Winkler allegedly pointed the laser at the officer in apparent retaliation.

Following his arrest, Winkler’s legal representation criticized the federal prosecution. Alexis Gardner, his public defender, described the case as an example of misconstrued prosecutorial discretion. She argued that resources were wasted on prosecuting Winkler, likening the alleged laser to “a cat toy key chain.” Gardner asserted that the case diverts attention from more pressing public safety threats.

Post-Verdict Reaction

After the jury’s decision, Judge Beryl A. Howell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ordered Winkler to be acquitted and relieved him of any bonds. The prosecution faced disappointment with this outcome, especially given the U.S. attorney’s focus on crime in Washington. The case also echoes a recent verdict from November, where a jury acquitted an individual charged with misdemeanor assault for throwing a sandwich at a federal officer.

This incident has reignited discussions on prosecutorial priorities and the allocation of federal resources. The lack of comment from federal prosecutors and the White House further emphasizes the sensitivity surrounding such cases.