FBI detects no terrorism link to lasers

WASHINGTON -- A string of incidents around the country involving laser beams aimed at aircraft aren't linked to terrorism and are more likely the work of mischiefmakers, the FBI said Sunday.

The FBI attributed eight incidents in the past 10 days to pranks or accidental acts that tagged aircraft in Ohio, Texas, Oregon and New Jersey. Pilots reported that powerful laser beams had apparently been aimed at them during takeoffs and landings.

Lasers have been a growing concern within the aviation community for years. The Homeland Security Department in November issued a bulletin to law enforcement agencies warning that terrorist groups overseas have expressed an interest in lasers.

However, the bulletin said there is no intelligence indicating terrorists intend to use lasers as weapons in this country, said department spokeswoman Katy Mynster.

Potential witnesses were being questioned Sunday by the FBI in connection with the latest laser flashing. A police helicopter investigating an earlier incident near the Teterboro, N.J., airport was hit Friday evening by a beam streaming from a Parsippany neighborhood.

No one has been arrested or charged. But the attorney for a Parsippany man said her client was questioned extensively by the FBI.

Attorney Gina Mendola Longarzo said David Banach was playing with his daughter on the deck of their home Friday evening when they waved a hand-held laser pointer in the air.

Longarzo said Banach was aware that a helicopter was in the area, but he did not think the beam was powerful enough to reach the helicopter. Within minutes, Longarzo said, police and federal agents swarmed Banach's home.

"There is no connection to terrorism here," Longarzo said. "This is a man who has never had a parking ticket."

FBI spokesman Stephen Kodak said the investigation was continuing and that "several people" were being questioned. He said there is no evidence linking the New Jersey incidents to terrorism.

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