Security Measures for World Cup Semifinals in Atlanta

ATLANTA—As the World Cup semifinals between England and Argentina approach at Atlanta Stadium, the FBI and Atlanta Police Department are gearing up for an extensive security operation. Both agencies utilize drones to monitor potential threats both on the ground and in the sky. The FBI enforces the Federal Aviation Administration’s Temporary Flight Restrictions around the venue.

Since the World Cup’s commencement, the FBI has confiscated over 600 drones across the nation, with 86 being seized in Atlanta. Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office, Marlo Graham, stated that a mechanism is in place allowing agents to identify unauthorized drones in restricted airspace. Agents then work to neutralize the threat posed by these unknown drones.

“We’ve been able to safely land drones that have been unauthorized in the flight restricted area,” Graham said.

Graham explained that every drone is treated as a potential threat. However, the threat level can increase based on the drone’s size and proximity to the stadium. He expressed that Atlanta is fortunate to have a closed dome stadium to reduce risks to the game and its attendees.

The Atlanta Police Department’s Drone Unit aids the FBI in locating individuals suspected of operating drones in restricted zones. Sgt. Kindu Franklin mentioned that most of those caught are hobbyists with no harmful intentions, often seeking footage for social media platforms.

“In some cases, they just recently bought a drone just for FIFA to get some of the cool footage that they want to put up on their social media,” Franklin said.

Despite seemingly innocent intentions, the Atlanta Police Department operates in a proactive manner, considering the potential ways drones can be weaponized.

The police’s drone mission emphasizes surveillance, targeting potential threats and traffic issues, while monitoring individuals the FBI suspects of illegal drone activity. Sgt. James Cunningham from APD’s Drone Unit said drones offer the command staff a perspective unavailable from the ground.

Drones can be launched remotely from handheld controllers or from docking stations placed strategically across the city. Officers control them from the back of an SUV using a computer and PlayStation controller, allowing swift responses to emergency scenarios.

“It’s going to cut down time. We’re going to get there quick. And then you’re going to get an aerial perspective of what you can’t see on the ground,” Cunningham said.

Since June, Cunningham’s unit has completed over 1,400 flights and logged more than 550 flight hours. He pointed out that these numbers reflect a significant level of activity compared to many drone units.

Anais Paredes, an APD drone pilot, emphasized the importance of training for the environment. As the team is based in Atlanta, they understand local conditions and expectations.

The FBI advises hobbyist drone pilots to familiarize themselves with Temporary Flight Restrictions before flying. Restrictions extend to one mile around stadiums on non-match days and three miles on game days.