The FBI and Atlanta Police Department are ramping up security efforts ahead of the World Cup semifinals between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium. Both agencies have used drones to monitor for potential threats on the ground and in the air, according to officials.
The FBI is enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration’s Temporary Flight Restrictions around the stadium. Since the tournament began, the FBI has confiscated more than 600 drones nationwide, with 86 of those seizures occurring in Atlanta, said Marlo Graham, special agent in charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office.
Graham explained that the FBI employs a system that allows agents to detect unauthorized drones in restricted airspace. Once identified, agents work to mitigate any potential threat. “We’ve been able to safely land drones that have been unauthorized in the flight restricted area,” Graham said.
While the FBI treats every drone as a potential threat, the risk level increases depending on the size and proximity of the drone to the stadium, Graham added. He noted that Atlanta’s closed dome stadium helps reduce concerns about drone interference during the match.
The Atlanta Police Department’s Drone Unit has supported the FBI by tracking suspected illegal drone flights. Sgt. Kindu Franklin said most hobbyists flying near the venues are not intending harm, often just capturing footage for social media. “There are different ways that you can weaponize these drones,” Franklin said. “So, we’re operating in a proactive manner.”
APD officers focus on surveillance, looking for potential threats, traffic issues, and illegal drone activity. Sgt. James Cunningham explained that drones are launched remotely or from strategically placed docking stations around the city, which officers control using computer systems and PlayStation controllers. These drones provide real-time aerial views, aiding emergency response and law enforcement coordination.
Since June, the drone unit has completed over 1,400 flights and logged more than 550 hours in the air. Cunningham emphasized the importance of training and local knowledge for effective operation. The FBI has urged hobbyists to respect the Temporary Flight Restrictions, which include a one-mile radius around the stadium on non-match days and three miles during matches.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
