FBI Seizes 600-Plus World Cup Drones, With 99 Intercepted in Miami
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 6
FBI Seizes 600-Plus World Cup Drones, With 99 Intercepted in Miami
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 6
Summary
More than 600 drones have been seized over restricted US World Cup airspace since play began on June 10, with interceptions reported across all 11 host cities.
Miami led the tally with 99 seizures, followed by Atlanta with 77 and Dallas with 63, suggesting many operators ignored temporary flight restrictions around stadiums and fan zones.
The FBI and DHS said they are using specialized counter-drone teams and technology to monitor, track and intercept unauthorized aircraft during the three-hour no-fly windows before and after matches.
Violations can bring civil fines up to $75,000, criminal fines up to $100,000, up to a year in prison and drone seizure; two men in Texas have already been charged.
Security is set to tighten further for the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium, the tournament's only US match designated a national special security event and backed by part of FEMA's $625 million preparedness funding.