Agency official warns drones pose public safety risk, outlines counter-UAS coordination

An agency official said that unmanned aircraft systems, commonly called drones, "can pose a very dangerous threat to the American public" at special events and other large gatherings.

The official described a counter-UAS coordinator who works with state and local partners to detect and stop drones that are not permitted to fly — for example, during temporary flight restrictions. "Our counter UAS coordinator works with our state and locals basically to counter any kind of drones that shouldn't be flying," the agency official said, adding that the effort combines "technical" and "investigative" measures to hold pilots accountable.

The speaker did not identify the agency they represent in the remarks captured in the transcript and did not cite specific statutes, ordinances, or other legal authorities for the counter-UAS work. No motions or votes were recorded in the transcript provided.

Why it matters: Unauthorized drones at crowded events can create safety and security risks and may violate temporary flight restrictions. The official framed the agency's approach as both a technical response to airborne devices and an investigative process aimed at identifying and pursuing people who operate drones where they are not permitted.

The transcript contains no further details about which events are covered, what technical countermeasures are used, what investigative authorities are relied on, or what penalties might follow. The agency official said the coordinator works with "state and locals" but gave no names of partner agencies or specific programs. The record ends with an outline of the coordinator's dual technical and investigative functions.