(Adnkronos) – The FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11, and in the United States, concerns are growing about the security of stadiums and fan zones. According to Politico, federal and local authorities are still working to strengthen defenses against possible drone attacks or intrusions, in a context made complex by equipment shortages, regulatory delays, and organizational problems linked to the long budget stalemate of the Department of Homeland Security. “If there’s an incident, or when there’s an incident, there will be a lot of finger-pointing,” said a drone industry representative.
Authorities fear various scenarios: from simple unauthorized flights, capable of interrupting matches, to more serious attacks against crowds in stadiums or fan zones. Secret Service Director Sean Curran admitted before Congress that the agency is encountering difficulties in acquiring anti-drone technologies, citing supply chain problems despite over $100 million invested in the last year and a half. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also warned that “the threat level is extremely high,” especially in areas outside sports facilities. Particular attention is focused on Los Angeles, where eight tournament matches will be played and where, according to Curran, local authorities “are not ready” for drone detection and neutralization activities, an assessment, however, disputed by the city police.
Further complicating the picture is the recent introduction of the “Safer Skies Act,” a law that expands drone counteraction powers for state and local law enforcement but which, according to industry insiders, is still being implemented. “The rules are still being written,” explained the same industry source, emphasizing how authorities are forced to implement new procedures while simultaneously preparing for the event’s security. Meanwhile, the FBI has intensified training courses at its specialized center in Alabama, where dozens of agents are being trained in anti-drone operations.
