With the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 250th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the United States, and other large summer events, the New York City Police Department (NYPD), FBI, and federal prosecutors held a press conference on Thursday to warn of unprecedented new threats facing New York. These threats range from international terrorism, cross-border gun crimes, to the most concerning “drone threats.”
The highlight of the entire press conference was when NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch publicly announced for the first time that the NYPD has equipment and training to shoot down drones. Combined with enforcement powers coordinating with federal partners, they are prepared to counter drone threats at World Cup-related events.
While local law enforcement in the United States has long been concerned about drone threats at large events, the actual authority to counter them has mostly been in the hands of the federal government. Now, with the passage of the Safe Skies Act by Congress last year, local law enforcement agencies have been authorized for the first time to participate in anti-drone operations under federal supervision.
Commissioner Tisch stated that the NYPD has invested around $6.5 million in purchasing relevant equipment and completed specialized training in cooperation with the FBI. In the future, during large events such as the World Cup, the NYPD will collaborate with the federal government to ensure airspace security.
Tisch mentioned that the nature of security threats in major cities has changed due to global conflicts. She cited the war in Ukraine as an example, where drone technology originally for military use is rapidly spreading to civilian and non-state actor hands. She believes that major sporting events, festival activities, and densely populated areas could all become potential targets, with drones keeping her up at night as a significant threat.
FBI New York office Assistant Director Jim Barnacle warned that anyone operating drones illegally during the World Cup will face federal criminal liability. “We will seize your drone, put you in jail, and heavily fine you,” Barnacle stated.
In addition to the drone issue, federal and local law enforcement agencies also emphasized at the press conference that New York is currently facing an increased risk of international terrorism.
Authorities revealed that a commander linked to an Iranian-backed armed group has recently been indicted by US prosecutors. The suspect is accused of participating in multiple plots targeting American and Jewish interests, and even allegedly planning an attack on a Jewish synagogue in New York.
Federal Prosecutor Jay Clayton of the Southern District of New York stated that New York, as a global financial and tourism hub, has long been a prime target for extremist groups and transnational criminal forces.
He specifically mentioned organizations such as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, ISIS, and Hamas, stating that they continue to pose a security threat to American cities.