During the National Pyrotechnics Festival in Mexico, shocking footage emerged of dozens of people shining laser pointers at a passenger jet flying overhead. The festival, which takes place in Tultepec just north of Mexico City, draws around 100,000 attendees every year. The festival runs for seven days, with the main event occurring on March 8th.
In the video posted on TikTok, a plane is seen flying overhead with green laser beams pointed at it. More people join in, resulting in about a dozen laser pointers aimed at the jet. A drone is also seen amidst many laser beams. Although it’s 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, the offense is punishable by up to five years in prison. Incidents involving laser strikes on airplanes have increased significantly in recent years. The Federal Aviation Administration reported a record 13,000 reports from pilots last year, representing a 41% increase from 2022.
The FAA issued a reminder that such incidents endanger lives and are federal crimes. This follows 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 showing people shining lasers at the passenger jet garnered over 30 million views and prompted criticism from viewers who questioned the legality and safety of the act.