UPDATE: Emergency air ambulance flights have been diverted from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) due to a disturbing online call for a “laser tag” event aimed at federal helicopters over South Portland. The announcement, which surfaced on the Rose City Counter-Info website, has raised urgent safety concerns that are now impacting critical patient care.
Multiple air ambulance providers have refused to land at OHSU’s rooftop helipad as of October 7, 2025, prompting helicopters to reroute to nearby airports. This operational change could delay patient transfers by 45 to 60 minutes, a significant concern for critically ill patients, according to OHSU officials. They warned that while most patients can handle the delay, unstable trauma patients may face life-threatening consequences.
“Laser pointers aimed at aircraft pose a severe risk to pilots and the public,” emphasized the Portland Police Bureau (PPB). The PPB has stated that it regularly arrests individuals for targeting police aircraft with lasers and is monitoring the situation closely.
The online flyer encourages participants to “mask up” and take measures to avoid identification, which includes cleaning laser pointers and disposing of them discreetly. OHSU has urged the public to refrain from participating in this dangerous activity. “This is incredibly dangerous,” the hospital stated in an email.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has condemned the threats, labeling them as a federal crime. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a federal crime. This is incredibly dangerous for the aircraft personnel and for the public’s safety.”
In a related incident on September 30, federal authorities arrested four individuals in Portland after they allegedly aimed lasers at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter, endangering both the crew and civilians on the ground. This highlights the growing tensions in Portland, a city that has seen sustained protests against federal immigration enforcement.
Federal officials continue to express concern over the rise of violence and threats aimed at federal agents, as discussed by acting ICE Director Todd Lyons on ‘The Big Weekend Show’. The ongoing protests have attracted attention from both local and federal officials, with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem paying a recent visit to the ICE facility in Portland to support officers amid the unrest.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has attempted to downplay the situation, asserting that “there is no insurrection” and expressing confidence in local law enforcement’s ability to manage the protests.
As the situation develops, authorities are urging individuals to refrain from participating in any activities that could jeopardize public safety or disrupt emergency services. The ongoing threat of violence and the potential for further escalation remains a concern for local and federal law enforcement.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile environment surrounding federal law enforcement in Portland, with protests continuing to challenge federal immigration policies. The implications of these actions are significant, with direct impacts on patient care and public safety in the region.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as local and federal authorities respond to the ongoing threats and assess the situation.
