ATLANTA — The FBI and Atlanta Police Department are conducting a significant security operation targeting unauthorized drones flying near World Cup venues ahead of the semifinals match 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 activity.

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 "mechanism" enabling agents to detect unauthorized drones in restricted airspace and has been able to safely land such drones to mitigate risks.

Kindu Franklin noted that most individuals caught flying drones near World Cup venues are hobbyists without malicious intent, often seeking to capture footage for social media. Anais Paredes, an Atlanta Police Department drone pilot, emphasized their local knowledge, saying, "We live here, so we know what to expect."

The drone unit has completed more than 1,400 flights and logged over 550 flight hours since early June, reflecting a proactive approach to security. Authorities remain vigilant about the potential for drones to be weaponized and are working to prevent disruptions, including incidents where hobbyist drones could interfere with the game.

Sources