FBI warns drone operators to stay away from World Cup matches
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Security for the FIFA World Cup is expanding skyward, with law enforcement agencies preparing for drone activity that could range from a nuisance to a serious threat as the United States hosts the tournament starting next week.
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More than 60 local, county and state law enforcement agencies in places where the games will be held recently completeda first-of-its-kind federal training program to help detect and deter the unauthorized presence of drones near World Cup sites and related fan events. The FBI plans to train additional classes even beyond the games.
NBC News got a unique look at the program at the FBI training facility at the Redstone Arsenal.
Drones pose a unique challenge for law enforcement because the technology evolves fast, they’re readily available and they can carry a harmless payload like a camera — or a dangerous substance. The Federal Aviation Administration sets and publicizes flight restrictions around high-profile events and limits drone use within a specific radius. Drone operators who violate the restricted space face criminal penalties.
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“The airspace has gotten very busy,” said Mike Torphy, the FBI agent who leads the certification training. The program is intended first to teach “judgment,” and then to determine what may be a threat before taking action, which could include commandeering electronic control of an unlawful drone.
“We have a variety of technical methods available to us. Taking over is one option. We also have the option to confuse the drone, make it go elsewhere but we’re not limited in the law to the type of technology that we can use to mitigate the drone,” he said.
FIFA is staging its largest-ever World Cup in North America, with 48 soccer teams playing in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The tournament runs from June 11 through July 19; the opener is in Mexico City, and the final is July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend the games and host watch parties.
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