Federal and local authorities have “relied on ad hoc systems” to deal with drone threats for the past few years, but this summer’s FIFA World Cup might be the “first major event at which such a threat is at the forefront,” according to a front-page piece by Richard Winton of the L.A. TIMES. Extra drone restrictions in place for the tournament are “similar to what is employed during the Super Bowl,” but this time they will be enforced at “multiple venues over multiple days.” The games, the “largest sporting event in U.S. history,” have been “classified as a national security event, meaning federal law enforcement can deploy its most extensive security measures under the Department of Homeland Security umbrella.” Authorities on Monday announced a “series of security measures,” including a no-drone zone at all nationwide venues, with officials saying that they will “take down any unauthorized flying objects.” Federal officials have been “scrambling to get countermeasures in place” as drones increasingly are being used as weapons of war and terror. FBI L.A. Assistant Director Patrick Grandy said that the agency will work with the FAA to “enforce temporary flight restrictions over the stadium.” Grandy added that the FBI is “authorized to use a variety of technologies to detect whether a drone is violating restricted airspace.” The threat posed by drones “goes beyond someone who intends to do harm -- even hobbyists can be dangerous” (L.A. TIMES, 6/1).
MEASURES IN PLACE: In Dallas, Tracey McManus noted local and federal law enforcement officials outlined “safety and security measures they have developed over the past two to four years” in preparation for the World Cup descending on the D-FW region. Police and fire officials from Dallas and Arlington mentioned that efforts “will not interfere with day-to-day services provided to residents.” FBI Dallas office special agent Joseph Rothrock mentioned that federal agents “will be monitoring air traffic for unauthorized activity and working with prosecutors to charge violators.” He added that unless authorized on match days, all aircraft and drones “will be prohibited within a 3-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around Dallas Stadium” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/1).
CONTROLLED AIRSPACE: In Columbus, Bethany Bruner noted the FAA has restricted the airspace to drones in several areas of Columbus in advance of FIFA World Cup. Columbus will be the Ecuador national soccer team’s base camp. As part of the security efforts surrounding the event, the FAA has “instituted temporary flight restrictions for unmanned aircraft systems, or drones.” The area of Historic Crew Stadium and the Downtown corridor are “both part of the flight restrictions” (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 6/1).
