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Schumer seeks ban on green lasers

Chris Caya WBFO News

Senator Charles Schumer is calling for a ban on green lasers following an incident where a FedEx plane flying high over Jamestown was "lit up" by a laser.

Speaking at the Buffalo Airport Tuesday, Schumer said green lasers can travel for miles and damage eyes. He says green lasers are 20-30 times brighter than other types and can cause temporary blindness.

"It might be caused by a prankster. It might be caused by a criminal or someone seeking vengeance. It might even be caused by a terrorist. But it will cause a tragedy," Schumer said.

"Simply put, green lasers are long-range high-powered laser pointers and they are a danger to pilots, passengers and innocent civilians."

The Brooklyn Democrat says a total of 20 laser strikes were reported across the country the same night as the incident over Jamestown. He says green laser sales should be limited to certain professionals.

Between January and October, the FAA recorded more than 5,000 laser strikes on airplanes.