As Baltimore braces for the much-anticipated wild card clash between the Ravens and the Steelers, law enforcement is not taking any chances with security. Stringent measures are being rolled out as the city gears up for the playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. A statement from the Baltimore Police Department, detailed by FOX Baltimore, details their collaborative efforts with "local, state and federal partners" to evaluate and thwart potential threats, pulling out all the stops with large city vehicles, hard barriers, and an array of surveillance tech.
Recent incidents, like the terror attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day, have added an impetus to these preparations, reinforcing the need for strong security protocols during high-profile events. To solidify air security, which includes the prohibition of drones within a one-mile radius of the stadium on game day. Special Agent David Rodski from FBI Baltimore, a connoisseur of aviation crimes, had a stern warning about the illegality and dangers of such actions, saying, "It can interfere with flight operations whether it be police helicopters. Think what happened in the LA wildfires where a drone allegedly impacted a fire suppression aircraft over the sight of that. It's illegal," in a statement reported by FOX Baltimore.
Meanwhile, echoing Rodski's sentiments, WBALTV reported that any illegal drone operators could face severe consequences. Besides being reminded of the no-fly zone around the stadium, the FBI warned of hefty penalties for those breaking the law: penalties that could range from misdemeanor charges to federal felonies with prison terms of up to 20 years and fines that may hit the $20,000 mark, depending on the nature of the violation. Rodski clarified, “We want to get the message out for the game this weekend: We don't want anyone flying a drone anywhere at or near the stadium within a one-mile radius, which is called temporary flight restrictions."
Fans in attendance, however, may spot certain drones buzzing overhead, but rest assured, per the FBI, these are sanctioned, "whitelisted" devices approved for game coverage by the NFL. The FBI has confirmed that any operational drones around the stadium will be closely monitored, "We do have drones that are whitelisted — they are approved to fly by the stadium this year. The NFL has contracted with certain companies, but we are watching all of them that will be here," Special Agent Rodski explained to WBALTV. With these measures in place, the authorities aim to keep the excitement of the game from being marred by preventable incidents, ensuring a safe environment for all attending fans, both on the ground and in the air.
