US Authorities Thwart Drone Incursions at Major Events
Quick Look
- US authorities reported 145 drone "incursions" in restricted airspace across eight venues between June 11-16.
- 55 drones were thwarted and 39 seized.
- The FBI also thwarted a drone attack on a White House UFC event and arrested an unauthorized immigrant operating a drone near a fan fest.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
US authorities are increasing efforts to counter drone threats, especially around major public events. The DHS secretary noted that while offensive drone capabilities have advanced, counter-drone measures are lagging.
It was not immediately clear if any of the drones were carrying disruptive devices or potential explosives. DHS did not immediately respond to follow-up questions.
FBI Director Kash Patel said Tuesday that the agency had thwarted an attack on President Donald Trump’s UFC event at the White House in which individuals attempted to use explosive-laden drones to attack it.
On Wednesday, Patel also said on X that the FBI had arrested an unauthorized immigrant operating a drone outside a fan fest in Atlanta.
In all, since the World Cup started on June 11 through June 16, DHS said authorities reported 145 “incursions” in restricted space across eight U.S. venues, including Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Seattle, Boston, San Francisco and Philadelphia (the data did not include the Los Angeles, Miami or New Jersey venues, though the FBI has reported drone activity in those locations as well).
Authorities successfully thwarted or “mitigated” 55 drones and seized 39 across those eight venues, according to DHS.
The venue with the most incidents was in Atlanta. According to DHS, authorities there observed 36 incursions into no-fly zones near the sporting events, with 20 mitigations and 11 seizures.
These mitigations and seizures involved Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Protective Service and the Coast Guard, DHS said.
At a recent congressional hearing, DHS secretary Markwayne Mullin disclosed that officials were still scrambling to get ahead of potential drone threats, and said DHS has been preparing to handle such incursions as best it could.
“We have spent a tremendous amount of ability and money to be able to be very offensive with drones, but on the counter-drone measures, everybody’s a little behind,” Mullin said.
Open Questions
- Were any drones carrying explosives?
- What specific technologies are being used for mitigation and seizure?
- What is the long-term strategy for counter-drone measures?
