A video posted on TikTok has sparked outrage after dozens of people were seen shining laser pointers at a passenger jet flying overhead during the National Pyrotechnics Festival in Mexico. The festival, which takes place in Tultepec just north of Mexico City, attracts around 100,000 attendees every year and runs for seven days, with the main event occurring on March 8th.
The footage shows a green laser beam aimed at the plane’s cockpit, with more people joining in until about a dozen laser pointers were pointed at it. A drone was also seen amidst many laser beams. Although it is unclear which airline was operating the plane, it appeared to be approaching Felipe Ángeles International Airport, the secondary airport in Mexico City.
Shining lasers at aircraft is illegal in most countries, including Mexico. In the United States, such incidents can lead to serious consequences – up to five years in prison for those caught. Incidents involving laser strikes on airplanes have increased significantly in recent years, with the Federal Aviation Administration reporting a record 13,000 reports from pilots last year – representing a 41% increase from 2022.
In response to these incidents, the FAA issued a reminder that such actions endanger lives and are federal crimes. This comes after an incident where a man in Buffalo, New York was charged with aiming a laser pointer at a Delta Air Lines jet – Joseph Crapsi could face five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. The video on TikTok garnered over 30 million views and prompted criticism from viewers who questioned the legality and safety of the act.
As shocking as this may seem to some viewers, it is important to remember that shining lasers at planes can cause serious harm to both pilots and passengers alike – making it clear that such behavior is not only illegal but also dangerous and unacceptable.
