Mexico beefs up security ahead of World Cup
Mexico beefs up security ahead of World Cup
2:36
The stage is set. The fans are ready. Kick-off begins this afternoon.
Now comes the hard part: Security.
Local law enforcement, backed up by federal agents, command posts, counter-drone technology, bomb squads and AI-powered security cameras positioned across the US are gearing up for one of the largest security efforts in the country.
Federal officials told CNN that while they are not tracking any credible threats, the landscape is ripe for potential attacks.
In preparation for the events, the FBI has been training local officers in counter-drone technology at the Redstone Arsenal military base in Huntsville, Alabama — 60 of whom have graduated from the program and will be deployed around the country alongside FBI and DHS agents.
The primary concern from the air is the potential for small, deadly payloads to be attached to readily available drones to attack fans and stadiums around the country. During a demonstration at Redstone Arsenal, the FBI showed how they monitor the skies from remote command posts and can remotely jam or deter these drones.
The ever-present threat of lone wolf actors — a unique security challenge difficult to detect — is also top of mind for law enforcement across the country, with large groups often presenting a prime target for such attacks.
Coordination among federal and local partners is key in making sure the matches and events remain safe, with command posts established across the country to help make sure threat assessments and other alerts are quickly communicated to officers and agents on the ground.
“These host cities have handled large events before,” a federal law enforcement official told CNN. “We’re integrated with them and ready. The level of planning is insane.”