In a stunning breach of security protocols, Jacob Samuel Winkler was arrested after allegedly directing a laser pointer at Marine One while President Donald Trump was on board, as the Washington Examiner reports.

This incident, which unfolded on Sunday, led to Winkler being charged with a felony for aiming a laser at an aircraft, occurring just days after Marine One faced a separate emergency during Trump's international travel.

The unsettling event started on Sunday when Winkler was seen walking shirtless along a sidewalk, speaking loudly to himself in a visibly disturbed and erratic manner.

Unusual actions prompt police response

A local police officer, alarmed by his strange demeanor, opted to shine a flashlight in his direction to gain a clearer understanding of the situation at hand.

In a surprising and hostile reaction, Winkler pointed a red laser directly into the officer’s face, immediately turning a routine check into a tense confrontation.

Shortly thereafter, authorities report that he redirected the laser’s beam skyward, targeting Marine One as it flew overhead with the president securely inside the aircraft.

Laser aimed at presidential helicopter

Law enforcement moved quickly, detaining Winkler on the spot to ensure no further danger could arise from his impulsive and risky actions.

According to an affidavit obtained by the Associated Press, he could be heard expressing regret to President Trump as officers placed him under arrest.

He now faces a felony charge for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, a grave violation of federal law that comes with substantial legal ramifications.

Harsh repercussions loom

This critical charge could lead to a prison term of up to five years and a significant financial penalty of as much as $250,000 if he is found guilty.

Officials emphasized the extreme hazards associated with laser pointers, noting that they can cause temporary blindness or severe disorientation to pilots, even from considerable distances away.

These visual disturbances pose a dire threat, as they could result in pilots losing control during essential phases of flight, potentially leading to catastrophic and tragic accidents.

Suspect claims ignorance

During questioning by authorities, Winkler maintained that he had no knowledge that pointing a laser at an aircraft was against the law or considered a dangerous act.

He described his frequent, casual handling of the device, stating that he often uses it on “all kinds of things, such as stop signs,” without realizing the serious risks involved.

The affidavit provided no information on whether the laser beam was noticed by any individuals aboard Marine One during the incident, leaving that specific detail currently unanswered.

Second incident fuels additional concerns

This occurrence marks the second troubling event involving Marine One within a remarkably short timeframe, raising heightened concerns about the safety of presidential transportation methods.

Just one week earlier, while President Trump was on an official visit to the United Kingdom, Marine One had to perform an emergency landing due to a mechanical issue affecting its hydraulic system.

Both President Trump and first lady Melania Trump were on board during that nerve-wracking emergency, though thankfully, no one was injured during the unexpected and sudden descent.