Warning Against Laser Targeting of Aircraft in South Portland
A recent call to shine laser lights into the sky to disrupt federal helicopters flying over South Portland has raised safety concerns and led to air ambulances being rerouted by a major trauma hospital. The online flyer, posted on the Rose City Counter-Info website, encourages participants to engage in a "laser tag" event targeting federal aircraft. Participants are advised to take precautions to avoid identification and potential DNA traces.
As a result of the planned laser activity, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) reported that air ambulance providers declined to land at the hospital's rooftop helipad, redirecting helicopters to nearby airports instead. This diversion necessitated patient transfers by ground ambulance, causing delays of up to 60 minutes for critical cases.
OHSU emphasized the potential impact of delays on sensitive medical situations and urged the public not to participate in the laser event due to its extreme danger. The decision to divert flights was made by the air ambulance vendors, not the hospital itself.
The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) highlighted the dangers of pointing lasers at aircraft, emphasizing that it is illegal under state and federal law. The bureau stated that individuals have been arrested for targeting police aircraft with lasers and confirmed monitoring of the ICE building without any reported laser strikes that night.
The Port of Portland acknowledged increased helicopter and propeller aircraft activity over South and Southwest Portland, likely related to federal law enforcement or military operations beyond their control. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) condemned the laser targeting of aircraft as a federal crime, warning of the risks it poses to aircraft personnel and public safety.
Federal officials cited a recent incident involving the arrest of individuals for shining a laser at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter, underscoring the dangers associated with such actions. Portland has been a focal point for protests against federal immigration enforcement, with ongoing demonstrations near the ICE facility.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem visited the ICE facility in Portland to show support for officers facing unrest, while Oregon Governor Tina Kotek disputed claims of widespread disorder, expressing confidence in local law enforcement's ability to address the situation. Several Democratic governors, including Kotek, have pushed back against the Trump administration's expanded federal enforcement efforts.
Efforts to reach OHSU for comment on the situation are ongoing. The safety risks posed by targeting aircraft with lasers have been condemned by authorities, emphasizing the need to avoid engaging in such dangerous activities.