ATLANTA — The FBI and Atlanta Police Department are conducting a large-scale security operation to monitor and control unauthorized drone activity around the World Cup semifinals between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium.

Both agencies have deployed drones to detect potential threats both on the ground and in the air. The FBI is enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration's Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) in the vicinity of the venue.

Since the World Cup began, the FBI has confiscated over 600 drones nationwide, with Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office Marlo Graham reporting that 86 of those were seized in Atlanta alone. Graham explained that the FBI uses a specialized "mechanism" to detect unauthorized drones in restricted airspace and has successfully landed such drones safely.

Kindu Franklin noted that most individuals caught flying drones near World Cup venues are hobbyists without malicious intent, often purchasing drones recently to capture footage for social media. However, authorities remain vigilant, acknowledging that drones can be weaponized and pose risks.

The Atlanta Police Department's drone unit has completed more than 1,400 flights and logged over 550 flight hours since early June. APD drone pilot Anais Paredes emphasized their local knowledge, stating, "We live here, so we know what to expect."

Authorities aim to prevent disruptions during the games, with concerns that uncontrolled drones could interfere with play, especially during critical moments.

Sources