Law enforcement in Maryland, United States will enforce local and federal laws regarding unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) flown over the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse site and surrounding area during the ongoing recovery and salvage operations. The main spans and part of the north-eastern approach of the bridge collapsed on March 26, 2024, after being struck by a container ship.
FBI Baltimore, in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office – District of Maryland, and members of the Unified Command – Maryland State Police, Maryland Transportation Authority Police, the United States Coast Guard, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Synergy Marine are reminding the public that the airspace is a ‘No Drone Zone’ and they are committed to identifying, investigating, disrupting and prosecuting the careless or criminal use of drones in the area.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) on March 26 after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The TFR extends for three nautical miles in radius, from the center of the bridge, and from the surface up to and including 1500 feet above ground level.
Law enforcement in the area is actively monitoring for illegal UAS use and has already responded to multiple drone incursions over the past few days.
There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding any UAS use anywhere within the ‘No Drone Zone’ established by the FAA. Anyone who attempts to fly a UAS in any prohibited manner may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment.
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Image shows the Francis Scott Key Bridge prior to its collapse on March 26, 2024.
