UPDATE: Emergency air ambulance flights have been diverted from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) due to alarming threats involving a ‘laser party’ aimed at federal helicopters. The situation escalated as authorities reported safety concerns linked to a public call for participants to disrupt air traffic over South Portland.
The online flyer, posted by Rose City Counter-Info, a self-described anarchist group, invites individuals to engage in a “laser tag” event targeting federal aircraft. This dangerous initiative encourages participants to wear masks, coordinate actions, and take measures to avoid detection, including cleaning laser pointers with alcohol and disposing of items safely.
As a result, multiple air ambulance services have refused to land at OHSU’s rooftop helipad, forcing a critical reroute of patients to nearby hospitals via ground transport. This diversion could add an estimated 45 to 60 minutes to travel times, significantly impacting the care of unstable trauma patients and those experiencing strokes or heart attacks.
OHSU officials stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “While most patients may tolerate this delay, for some sensitive cases, it could have real consequences.” The hospital also condemned the laser event, labeling it “extremely dangerous.”
Amid rising tensions, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has condemned the calls to target aircraft, emphasizing that this act is a federal crime. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is incredibly dangerous for both crew and public safety.”
Portland Police Bureau (PPB) echoed these sentiments, warning that pointing lasers at aircraft endangers lives and is strictly prohibited under state and federal laws. The PPB confirmed ongoing monitoring of the ICE facility but noted that no laser strikes were reported on the night of the incident.
The situation in Portland remains tense, with ongoing protests against federal immigration enforcement near the ICE facility. Activists have previously used provocative props during demonstrations, reflecting deep-seated opposition to federal actions.
In response to escalating violence, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons recently addressed the challenges federal agents face amid rising crime rates in cities, criticizing local leaders for failing to acknowledge the situation.
Meanwhile, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has insisted that there is no insurrection in Portland, reiterating her confidence in local law enforcement’s ability to handle the unrest. However, her statements contrast with the heightened security measures around the ICE facility.
As the situation evolves, OHSU has advised staff to factor in additional transit times for critical patients and has urged the public to refrain from participating in the laser event. The community’s safety hangs in the balance as federal and local officials work to address these urgent threats.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.