ATLANTA — The FBI and Atlanta Police Department are conducting a significant security operation targeting unauthorized drones near World Cup venues ahead of the semifinals between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium.

Both agencies have deployed drones to monitor potential threats both on the ground and in the air. The FBI is enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration's Temporary Flight Restrictions around the stadium to prevent unauthorized drone flights.

Since the World Cup began, the FBI has confiscated over 600 drones nationwide, with 86 seized in Atlanta alone, according to Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office Marlo Graham. 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 harmful intent, often seeking to capture footage for social media. Cunningham reported that the drone unit has completed more than 1,400 flights and logged over 550 flight hours since early June.

Anais Paredes, an Atlanta Police Department drone pilot, emphasized their local knowledge, stating, "We live here, so we know what to expect."

Authorities remain vigilant, acknowledging the potential for drones to be weaponized and the importance of preventing disruptions during the games. As Graham said, "We don't want the game to be impacted because a hobbyist couldn't control their drone, and it lands right when one of our star players was getting ready to score a goal."

Sources