Joining the NFL, MLB, and NCAA, NASCAR has approved a bipartisan bill that permits state and local law enforcement to turn off drones over major athletic events. Both Democrat Jacky Rosen and Republican Senator Tom Cotton introduced the Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Amendment. Stadiums and other locations with more than 30,000 spectators are subject to a temporary flying restriction that allows for up to 3,000 feet in the air and a three-mile-wide airspace. An hour before the event begins and for up to an hour after it ends, the restraint goes into effect. Every NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar, and Champ Series race is covered, along with MLB, NFL, and NCAA Division I football games.
Currently, the only technology and authority available to federal law enforcement officers on the scene is to turn off the drones. But they usually only show up at big American sporting events like the College Football Playoff, the Super Bowl, and the World Series. In order to provide state and local law enforcement with the training and tools they need to disable drones on their own, the measure would expand those authorities. Drones are a possible terrorist threat at crowded sporting events, according to Senator Cotten. “Many drones around large athletic events are hobbyists or enthusiasts or practical jokers,” Cotton stated. “But we can’t take the risk of fan lives because some of these drones can be equipped to carry explosives or most chillingly can be equipped with some kind of biological weapon.”
In December, NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier warned Congress that terrorist organizations would attack stadiums and other large gatherings with large crowds. “Earlier this year, Islamic State propaganda specifically encouraged attacks on stadiums, including referencing the Paris Summer Olympics,” Lanier said. “Social media posts recently threatened drone attacks at the Cricket World Cup on Long Island.” The U.S. sports leagues are overwhelmingly supportive. “The NCAA has been concerned about the threat that unapproved drones pose at NCAA championships and college athletic events for a number of years,” Tim Buckley, senior vice president of external affairs for the NCAA, told ESPN. Our first concern is the safety of the athletes, spectators, and employees who work at NCAA tournaments.
“If enacted, this legislation would dramatically increase the security of our stadiums and the safety of the 70,000,000 fans who attend our games annually,” said David Thomas, senior vice president of security and ballpark operations for Major League Baseball.
