# Man Faces Federal Charges for Shooting Firefighting Plane

> Man charged with shooting firefighting aircraft during wildfire response.
- Title: Man Faces Federal Charges for Shooting Firefighting Plane
- Summary: Man charged with shooting firefighting aircraft during wildfire response. Daniel Christian Pettit, 48, faces federal charges after allegedly shooting at a…
- Keywords: daniel christian pettit, st louis county sheriff's office, firefighting aircraft, wildfire response, federal charges, minnesota, doj, fire bomber, news, local, Man, Faces
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/21/doj-man-faces-federal-charges-shooting-firefighting-plane-during-wildfire-response
- Published: 2026-09-21T18:42:19.468+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: daniel christian pettit, st louis county sheriff's office, firefighting aircraft, wildfire response, federal charges, minnesota, doj, fire bomber, news, local
## Federal Charges
Daniel Christian Pettit, 48, faces federal charges for damaging a firefighting aircraft and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
## What Happened
Pettit allegedly shot at a firefighting plane near Orr, Minnesota, on May 15, 2026, leaving a bullet hole.
## Firefighting Aircraft
The plane was helping fight a wildfire near Orr when it was struck by a bullet, landing in Hibbing after damage was discovered.
## Pettit's Claim
Pettit said he fired rounds from a 12-gauge shotgun and .308-caliber rifle while crow hunting, claiming he did not care if he hit the plane.
## Investigation
The FBI, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and St. Louis County Sheriff's Office investigated the case, with federal charges stemming from the aircraft's special U.S. jurisdiction.
## What Happens Next
Pettit faces years in prison if convicted after being out of jail on bond but now in custody again.
## Key takeaway

Daniel Christian Pettit, 48, faces federal charges after allegedly shooting at a firefighting plane near Orr, Minnesota, in May 2026.