The nation's largest police force is training officers and purchasing new equipment to counter the threat armed drones could pose for the FIFA World Cup, America 250 and other upcoming high-profile events in the Big Apple.
The NYPD announced Thursday it would purchase $6.5 million worth of counter-drone equipment and provide special training to counterterrorism officers.
At a press conference on May 21, 2026, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch discussed the proliferation of armed drones on the battlefields of Ukraine and Iran and said it was the only threat that “keeps me up at night.”
NYPD
“We are preparing for this threat with the seriousness it deserves,” NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference.
The commissioner cited the proliferation of armed drones on the battlefields of Ukraine and Iran and said it was the one threat that she said “keeps me up at night.”
She declined to elaborate when asked if there was a specific threat involving armed drones, but said: “It would be a mistake to ignore this technology.”
On December 4, 2018, the NYPD announced its Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program, which will include newly acquired unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, and the licensed NYPD Technical Assistance Response Unit (TARU) officers who will operate them.
NYC.gov
The Justice Department is expected to issue new rules granting local police departments the ability to neutralize drones, a capability until now largely reserved for the FBI.
“It wasn't a threat years ago,” said Rebecca Weiner, the New York Police Department's deputy commissioner for counterterrorism. “It’s now.”
The World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11 in cities across North America. The championship game is scheduled to take place July 19 at MetLife Stadium, just outside New York, New Jersey.
In this March 22, 2026, file photo, New York City FC fans cheer during the MLS match between New York City FC and Inter Miami CF at Yankee Stadium in New York.
Sarah Stier/Getty Images, FILE
The city is also expected to hold World Cup-related events, including watch parties, across all five boroughs, including at Rockefeller Center.
New York is also expected to host several “America 250” celebrations over the July 4 weekend, including the annual Macy's Fourth of July fireworks display.
