Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) have introduced the Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at empowering state and local law enforcement to disable unauthorized drones during sporting events. This legislative proposal has garnered support from major sports leagues, including the NFL, MLB, NCAA, NASCAR, and the SEC, highlighting a collective concern over the increasing threat of drones at these high-profile gatherings.
The DEFENSE Act responds to a growing need for enhanced security measures at sporting events, where temporary flight restrictions are often imposed. It targets venues such as stadiums and ballparks with capacities exceeding 30,000 people, as well as outdoor gatherings drawing more than 100,000 attendees. This bill comes at a time when the NFL alone reported over 2,800 drone incursions into restricted airspace in 2023. Such incidents pose significant safety risks, as exemplified by the temporary suspension of the AFC Championship Game and a wild-card game between the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers in January 2024 due to drone intrusions.
Currently, only federal law enforcement has the authority to disable unauthorized drones at large-scale sporting events. The DEFENSE Act seeks to extend this ability to state and local agencies. The proposed methods for disabling drones include jamming radio frequencies, capturing them with nets, ramming them with other drones, or shooting them down. While these are effective techniques, Michael Robbins, president and CEO of the Association of Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, notes that the most common method remains locating the operator and requesting or demanding that they land the drone.
"The most effective way, the way that is used in most cases, is to find the operator and ask, or demand, that the operator land the drone." – Michael Robbins
Sen. Cotton emphasizes that local law enforcement is already responsible for securing the perimeter of such events. He argues that they should also have the means to safeguard airspace from potential threats.
"Local law enforcement already protects the perimeter of these events," – Sen. Tom Cotton
"We already expect them to stop a dump truck that would cause harm, so we need to also give them the tools to protect the airspace from weapons and biological threats." – Sen. Tom Cotton
While many drone operators at athletic events are hobbyists or pranksters, Sen. Cotton warns against underestimating the potential danger, particularly if drones are weaponized.
"Many drones around large athletic events are hobbyists or enthusiasts or practical jokers," – Sen. Tom Cotton
"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." – Sen. Tom Cotton
The DEFENSE Act's endorsement by major sports organizations underscores its perceived importance in bolstering security measures. David Thomas, MLB's senior vice president of security and ballpark operations, stresses the potential impact of this legislation on fan safety.
"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," – David Thomas
Similarly, Tim Buckley, the NCAA's senior vice president of external affairs, highlights long-standing concerns over unauthorized drones at college sporting events.
"For several years, the NCAA has expressed concern for the threat that unauthorized drones pose at NCAA championships and college sporting events," – Tim Buckley
"The safety of the competitors, fans, and staff that work at NCAA events is our top priority." – Tim Buckley
Despite its broad support, the bill faces opposition from some lawmakers. Last year, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) blocked a similar proposal aimed at enabling state and local authorities to track drones. He remains critical of expanding government power under the guise of security.
"History has shown us time and time again how fear and manufactured urgency are used as pretext to expand government power at the expense of freedom." – Sen. Rand Paul
The DEFENSE Act also addresses growing concerns over potential terrorist threats involving drones. Intelligence agencies warn that stadiums and mass gatherings could be targets for such attacks—a fear exacerbated by social media threats targeting events like the Cricket World Cup on Long Island.
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