BALTIMORE, MD — In response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, federal and local law enforcement agencies are reminding drone operators of the strict ‘No Drone Zone’ in effect over the Patapsco River and surrounding areas. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, along with FBI Baltimore and other members of the Unified Command, have emphasized their commitment to enforcing local and federal regulations against Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) during the salvage and recovery operations.
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron stressed the serious nature of any unauthorized drone activity in the restricted airspace, highlighting the potential threats to safety and the integrity of the ongoing investigative efforts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) encompassing a three nautical mile radius from the bridge’s center and extending up to 1,500 feet above ground level.
The FBI has issued a clear warning that flying drones within the restricted area is not only harmful to recovery operations but also illegal, with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno emphasizing the federal charges that violators may face. Law enforcement is actively monitoring the airspace and has already responded to several drone incursions since the TFR’s implementation on March 26.
Violators of the ‘No Drone Zone’ face a zero-tolerance policy, with potential consequences including arrest, prosecution, fines, and imprisonment.