SEATTLE — As World Cup crowds packed Seattle’s stadium and waterfront for six weeks of matches and watch parties, federal and local law enforcement agencies were preparing behind the scenes for threats ranging from terrorist attacks and protests to rogue drones — work officials say will shape how the city handles major events for years to come.
There were no major security incidents during the World Cup matches in Seattle, which FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington said was the goal throughout the tournament.
“That’s ultimately what we wanted to accomplish here, let people focus on the festivities, on the game and not have to worry about whether they were safe or not,” Herrington told KOMO News in an interview Monday.
Herrington said the World Cup required unprecedented coordination among federal, state, county and city agencies, which he said will serve as a roadmap for future world-class events in Seattle.
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One of the main concerns during the tournament was drones. The FBI seized 42 drones from operators who violated airspace restrictions during the matches, according to the agency.
This is something that has been on our radar for a few years,” Herrington said. “It’s been a gradually increasing threat, something we have been more and more worried about, and I really think the World Cup has been a great driver in getting us where we need to be to counter this threat.
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Federal grants provided $12 million to pay for new counter-drone technology in Seattle. The King County Sheriff’s Office, which received the grant funding and spearheaded the counter-drone program, was able to monitor airspace around the city in real time. The drone systems also give law enforcement the ability to locate drone operators and take control of rogue drones if necessary.
The counter-drone systems will remain in Seattle after the World Cup.
“I think it’s good that we were able to set a precedent now that this is taken seriously,” Herrington said.
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The counter-drone systems will be used in future large public events, including Seafair and professional sports games.
Authorities are also expected to release results Tuesday from “Operation Red Card,” described as a multi-agency effort aimed at controlling violent crime in Seattle during the games.
