ATLANTA — The FBI and Atlanta Police Department are conducting a large-scale security operation ahead of the World Cup semifinals between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium. Both agencies are deploying drones to monitor for potential threats both on the ground and in the sky.

The FBI is enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration's Temporary Flight Restrictions around the venue and has confiscated more than 600 drones nationwide since the World Cup began. Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office Marlo Graham reported that 86 of those drones were seized in Atlanta alone. He explained that the FBI uses a "mechanism" enabling agents 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 any intent to harm the crowds. The drone unit, according to Cunningham, has completed over 1,400 flights and logged more than 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 stressing a proactive approach to security. They also aim to prevent disruptions to the game caused by uncontrolled hobbyist drones.

Sources