Portland ‘laser tag’ call prompts OHSU air‑ambulance diversions; DHS warns laser strikes on aircraft are a federal crime
Homeland Security warned that aiming lasers at aircraft is a federal crime and called the planned Portland “laser tag” action targeting federal aircraft “incredibly dangerous.” OHSU said multiple air‑ambulance vendors declined to land on its rooftop helipad Saturday, forcing helicopters to divert to nearby airports and adding an estimated 45–60 minutes for ground transfer; the Portland Police Bureau said there were no laser strikes that night, reiterated the activity is illegal and noted a related arrest earlier in the week, and the Port of Portland confirmed increased helicopter/propeller activity tied to federal law‑enforcement and military operations.
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📌 Key Facts
- OHSU said multiple air‑ambulance vendors declined to land at its rooftop helipad Saturday night because of a planned “laser tag” action targeting federal aircraft; OHSU clarified the diversion decision was made by the air‑ambulance providers, not the hospital.
- Helicopters were redirected to nearby airports, adding an estimated 45–60 minutes for ground transfer to OHSU.
- The Portland Police Bureau reiterated that aiming lasers at aircraft is illegal under state and federal law and noted a related arrest earlier in the week.
- PPB reported there were no laser strikes Saturday night.
- The Port of Portland acknowledged increased helicopter and propeller activity tied to federal law‑enforcement and military operations.
📚 Contextual Background
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the federal agency responsible for apprehending and detaining people suspected of being undocumented immigrants in the United States.
📰 Sources (2)
Emergency flights diverted from Portland hospital amid 'laser party' threats at ICE facility: report
New information:
- OHSU says multiple air ambulance vendors declined to land at its rooftop helipad Saturday night due to a planned ‘laser tag’ action targeting federal aircraft.
- Helicopters were redirected to nearby airports, adding an estimated 45–60 minutes for ground transfer to OHSU.
- PPB reiterated that aiming lasers at aircraft is illegal under state and federal law and noted a related arrest earlier in the week; PPB reported no laser strikes Saturday night.
- Port of Portland acknowledged increased helicopter/propeller activity tied to federal law‑enforcement/military operations.
- OHSU clarified the diversion decision was made by air‑ambulance providers, not by the hospital.