FBI and Atlanta Police Monitor Drones During World Cup

In Atlanta, the FBI and local authorities are utilizing drones to identify potential threats in the skies and on the ground, particularly during the World Cup festivities. The FBI has put in place temporary flight restrictions in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration around the event venue.

Since the tournament kicked off, the FBI has confiscated over 600 drones across the country, with 86 of those seizures occurring in Atlanta alone, according to Special Agent Marlo Graham from the FBI’s Atlanta office.

Graham mentioned that the FBI has mechanisms to detect unauthorized drones in restricted airspace, allowing agents to address potential threats effectively. “We successfully brought down an unauthorized drone within a no-fly zone,” he stated.

The Atlanta Police Department’s drone unit plays a crucial role in tracking individuals suspected of flying in restricted areas during the event. They are specifically focused on surveillance for potential threats, traffic concerns, and illegal drone activity.

Sergeant James Cunningham of the Atlanta Police Department’s drone unit commented, “Our goal is to provide our commanders with a view they wouldn’t usually have.” They aim to discourage unauthorized flying by monitoring from the air.

Cunningham’s team operates drones remotely from a handheld controller, while others are launched from strategically placed docking stations around the city. Officers control them using a combination of a computer and a gaming-style controller from the back of their SUVs.

The FBI has issued a reminder to hobbyist drone pilots to stay informed about the temporary flight restrictions in place to ensure safety during this busy season.