FBI seizes over 600 drones near World Cup venues
More than 600 drones have been seized near World Cup sites as federal agencies police temporary no-fly zones around stadiums and fan festivals. Violators face fines up to $100,000.
Federal agents have seized more than 600 drones near FIFA World Cup venues, a count that doubled in less than two weeks as authorities tightened enforcement around stadiums and fan gatherings. The devices were found in restricted airspace after the tournament began on June 11, and illegal flights can bring criminal penalties, seizure of the aircraft and fines of up to $100,000.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced temporary flight restrictions on May 28 over stadiums hosting World Cup matches and related fan events across the United States. Those restrictions also covered fan festivals and other event locations, including a Kansas City notice that ran from June 16 through July 11. Federal officials have treated the zones as no-drone areas during the tournament.
The FAA, the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department, the FBI, the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Air Marshal Service and local law enforcement are part of the enforcement effort. Unauthorized drones can threaten public safety, critical infrastructure and aviation safety at major sporting events, especially when helicopters, commercial flights and dense crowds are all operating in the same area.
By mid-June, authorities had already seized dozens of drones. Later counts pushed the number above 300, then more than 500. At least some of those violations have led to arrests or criminal charges in Atlanta, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, Dallas and South Florida.
In Kansas City, eight drones were intercepted during World Cup events at Kansas City Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival. In Atlanta, Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez faces federal charges for flying a drone over Centennial Olympic Park during the FIFA Fan Festival.
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