Ahead of World Cup, authorities focused on deterring drones in Seattle

SEATTLE — Flying a drone above FIFA World Cup fan celebrations, practice facilities and matches at Lumen Field could get operators hit with a felony and a fine up to $100,000. 

Authorities are particularly worried about aerial drones carrying dangerous payloads, like explosives. They’re acknowledging the risk ahead of the soccer tournament, which will feature matches across North America, including Seattle. Even more harmless acts, like flying a drone with a camera in restricted areas, could result in penalties. 

It’s one week until Seattle hosts its first World Cup match, between Belgium and Egypt. The tournament, FIFA’s biggest ever, is expected to bring hordes of visitors to the city, though not as many as had once been anticipated. Seattle will see five more matches through July 6. Fan events and watch parties are planned across the state.

Washington got $19.5 million in federal funding to detect and monitor unmanned aircraft, as part of $250 million in federal grants awarded to the cities hosting matches across the country. The money was appropriated in the “big, beautiful bill” congressional Republicans passed last year.

FBI officials said last week they hadn’t identified specific credible threats related to the tournament. Officials also did not flag any specific threats during a Monday news conference in Seattle. But security concerns are heightened, especially as the U.S. remains at war with Iran.

During the press conference, held at the U.S. Coast Guard Base in Seattle, the U.S. Secret Service special agent in charge here said he thought “we’re as prepared as we can possibly be.” 

“The fans should feel very comfortable coming to Seattle and enjoying the games here,” agent Trent Heinrichs said.

Out of an abundance of caution, officials have implemented temporary flight restrictions around World Cup matches and celebration venues. 

The Washington Military Department has embarked on a yearlong effort to prepare to counter drones during the tournament. Seattle police went to Alabama for specialized training as part of their preparations. Last week, federal, state and local law enforcement officials participated in a demo on dealing with drones at the Yakima Training Center.

Seattle also got a $32 million federal grant to bolster security more broadly for the World Cup. The feds awarded $625 million across the 11 host cities. Seattle got the least, by far. Authorities have spent nearly three years prepping for security threats related to the tournament, considered the world’s biggest sporting event. 

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin recently said his biggest security concern for the World Cup is drones. They have breached airspace at other recent major sporting events. Authorities can potentially seize control of an illegal drone and move it. The Safer Skies Act, passed by Congress last year, enables state and local law enforcement to disable drones seen as a threat. 

Generally, penalties for flying in restricted airspace include a fine up to $100,000, federal felony or misdemeanor charges and seized drones. 

Mullin also said disbursing World Cup security funding was delayed due to the lengthy shutdown of his agency this year.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is expanding its fentanyl trafficking prevention work during the World Cup. Outreach vehicles will be stationed at fan events, for example, said Seattle Special Agent in Charge Robert Saccone.

The King County Sheriff’s Office will be flying its police helicopter, and the Spokane County sheriff is sending another chopper to have one in the air at all times during the tournament. And the Seattle Fire Department will have increased paramedics in the stadium for matches to aid players, referees, fans and staff, as well as emergency medical technicians on bikes around the stadium to respond to fan celebration sites.

Notably absent from Monday’s press conference was U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The federal and local officials in attendance declined to comment on the potential ICE presence during the tournament, which will bring fans from around the globe to Seattle.