Story perspectives

48-Year-Old Arrested for Shooting Fire-Suppression Plane; No Threat

5/19/2026

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Man Arrested

Seven law-enforcement and aviation agencies coordinated the investigation into the fire-suppression aircraft shooting.
A 48-year-old man was arrested in Portage Township, Minnesota, after allegedly shooting at a fire-suppression aircraft that landed safely.
Investigators said they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.
Police seized several firearms and ammunition from the suspect’s residence during a search warrant execution.

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Pettit Arrested

Governor Tim Walz activated Guard fighting wildfires in Lake, Crow Wing and St. Louis counties, Steward Trail and Flanders fires.
Daniel Christian Pettit, 48, was arrested in Portage Township, Minnesota after shooting at an aircraft that landed with no injuries.
Charges include reckless firearm discharge, second-degree assault and felony criminal damage to property.
Law enforcement seized multiple firearms and ammunition from Pettit’s home during the arrest.

History

Historical Context

In 1974 President Gerald Ford signed the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act, creating the United States Fire Administration to coordinate fire-suppression after a report warned of 12,000 annual fire deaths. Governor Tim Walz invoked that framework in March 2024, deploying the Minnesota National Guard to arrest Daniel Christian Pettit for shooting at a firefighting aircraft.

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Man Arrested

Seven law-enforcement and aviation agencies coordinated the investigation into the fire-suppression aircraft shooting.
A 48-year-old man was arrested in Portage Township, Minnesota, after allegedly shooting at a fire-suppression aircraft that landed safely.
Investigators said they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.
Police seized several firearms and ammunition from the suspect’s residence during a search warrant execution.

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