Kansas City Police Could Down Drones for World Cup

Kansas City may soon get something it has never had before, local police with the legal authority to knock a drone out of the sky, as KCTV5 reports.

A new bill introduced by Eric Burlison would temporarily give state and local law enforcement the power to intercept and disable unmanned aircraft during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The proposed Counter Drone State and Local Defender Act would apply from March through September 2026, covering the entire security window surrounding the tournament.

Kansas City is scheduled to host matches from June 16 to July 11, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium, and the concern is simple.

If a rogue drone appears over a packed stadium, local officers currently cannot legally jam it, seize control of it, or shoot it down. That authority is generally reserved for federal agencies.

This bill attempts to close that gap, at least for major international events where the risk profile changes dramatically.

What the Bill Would Do

If passed, the legislation would allow approved state and local agencies to deploy counter drone systems capable of detecting, tracking, taking control of, or disabling an unmanned aircraft that poses a security threat.

This does not mean every police department suddenly gets a green light to start blasting quadcopters. Agencies would have to complete mandatory training on federally approved equipment, then apply for authorization through the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Justice, and the Federal Communications Commission. Those agencies would review and approve up to 4,000 applications nationwide.

The authority would be temporary, aligned specifically with the World Cup timeline, and supporters say it would include privacy and civil liberties safeguards.

The concern driving the proposal is not theoretical. Drones can be used for unauthorized surveillance of teams and VIP areas, to drop hazardous materials, or simply to create panic over a crowded venue. Even a small consumer drone drifting over a stadium could force evacuations and disrupt a global broadcast watched by millions.

As of mid February 2026, the bill remains pending, with no confirmation of final passage.

Millions Flow Into Counter Drone Defense

Even without the bill becoming law yet, funding for counter UAS systems is already moving.

Through FEMA’s Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program, Missouri received $14.24 million in late 2025 to support drone detection, tracking, and mitigation capabilities in the Kansas City region. Kansas is also allocating funds through agencies such as the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department for similar technology and training.

Local departments have sought grants worth millions to acquire radar systems, specialized software, and hardware capable of identifying and intercepting unauthorized drones. Some systems allow authorities to take control of a drone, others can disable it electronically or through kinetic means, depending on what federal rules allow.

Right now, most active mitigation authority remains with federal entities. That creates a response bottleneck during fast moving incidents, where seconds matter and federal assets may not be physically on site.

Not every nearby agency has secured the same level of funding, raising questions about how evenly protected the broader region will be during the tournament. Still, the overall direction is clear. The airspace over major events is becoming a serious security layer, not an afterthought.

DroneXL’s Take

For everyday DJI pilots and commercial operators, this is a reminder that major events bring serious airspace restrictions, and enforcement is only getting stronger.

If this bill passes, it would represent a significant shift in counter drone authority, moving some real power from federal agencies down to trained local departments, at least for high profile events. That could become a model for future Super Bowls, political conventions, and other large gatherings.

The big picture is this. Drone technology is advancing rapidly, and so are counter drone systems. As drones become more capable, governments are building the legal and technical tools to control the airspace when stakes are high.

For responsible pilots, nothing changes except the importance of checking NOTAMs, respecting TFRs, and staying well clear of restricted zones. For those who ignore the rules during something as massive as the World Cup, the consequences may soon arrive faster, and more forcefully, than ever before.

Photo credit: Mario Nawfal, Wikipedia.