An Oregon man faces charges for shining a green laser at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter during a lively anti-ICE protest in Portland, as announced by federal prosecutors on Thursday.
Brian Keith Capileo Nepal, who is 38 years old, reportedly aimed a laser device at a federal helicopter on October 3, which led the pilot to make an early landing, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
A week later, the FBI searched Nepal’s home and discovered a laser, over 100 grams of methamphetamine, and indications of drug trafficking activities, as stated by the District Attorney’s office.
Federal court documents revealed that Nepal was smoking on his balcony when he directed the laser at the aircraft flying above.
The pilots circled back to monitor Nepal, who was seen retreating into his home.
“Laser attacks are a serious problem with potentially deadly consequences. They put lives at risk,” remarked Scott E. Bradford, the District Attorney for Oregon.
When the FBI entered Nepal’s residence on October 10, they reportedly found him barricaded in his bathroom, with the laser on his nightstand alongside a plastic bag containing meth and a pipe.
Though pointing a laser at an airplane carries a penalty of up to five years, Nepal might face a maximum of 40 years in federal prison for drug possession, as per the press release.
Authorities noted that Nepal was already on probation for drug distribution in Washington County.
Just five days after Nepal’s alleged offense, antifa organizers in Portland released an online flyer encouraging supporters to engage in “laser tag” by directing lights at federal aircraft to force them down.
The flyer declared, “Antifa domestic terrorists will not take over our cities. We will destroy their networks and bring them all to justice,” following a statement from the Department of Homeland Security.
In September, another individual, Hector Miranda Mendoza, was charged for shining a laser at a CBP helicopter in the area.
Residents have described downtown Portland as a “war zone,” with regular clashes between anti-ICE protesters and federal law enforcement.
Since June 13, the Oregon District Attorney’s Office has charged 34 individuals for violent acts near local Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities.
The Department of Homeland Security requested federal support in Portland, but an attempt by President Trump to deploy the National Guard was not approved, having been blocked by the courts.
