The FBI has assigned its Joint Terrorism Task Force to lead its probe of laser attacks on the cockpits of two planes approaching LaGuardia Airport this week, inviting help from the public as well to fight a growing threat.

The FBI said Friday a reward is available for anyone providing information leading to arrests in the Tuesday attacks.

The FBI said the first attack occurred when a Shuttle America cockpit was illuminated by a green laser on its final approach to LaGuardia at 7:35 p.m. Tuesday. The FBI said the crew reported that the laser originated about a half mile west of the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.

The second incident occurred three hours later when a private aircraft reported a green laser two miles southwest of LaGuardia.

(AP)