A Maryland man is facing serious federal charges after allegedly flying a drone over the packed M&T Bank Stadium during an NFL Wild Card playoff game on January 11, 2025. The unauthorized flight led to a temporary suspension of the game as authorities worked to track the drone and assess the potential security threat.
According to law enforcement reports, Alexis Perez Suarez, 43, piloted his unregistered DJI drone approximately 400 feet above the stadium, capturing multiple aerial photographs while tens of thousands of fans watched the game. His actions violated multiple federal aviation regulations, including a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place for the event.
Legal Consequences
Suarez now faces federal felony charges, including:
- Operating an unregistered drone
- Flying without a Remote Pilot certificate
- Violating national defense airspace by disregarding the FAA’s no-fly restrictions
If convicted, he could face up to three years in federal prison.
Law Enforcement Response
The FBI, Maryland State Police, and the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General quickly responded to the drone incursion, tracking it to its landing location. Although Suarez had left the area by the time authorities arrived, they were able to locate and apprehend him shortly thereafter.
FAA’s Strict No-Drone Policy
The FAA strictly prohibits drone flights over stadiums during major sporting events, including NFL, MLB, and NASCAR races. The agency enforces Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) to ensure security and public safety, preventing unauthorized aircraft from entering restricted airspace.
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron emphasized the seriousness of such violations:
“You will be charged and held accountable for any incursion into restricted airspace, including around sports and entertainment venues such as the Super Bowl.”
Why Unauthorized Drone Flights Are Dangerous
Flying a drone over a stadium is not just a regulatory violation—it poses real risks:
- Security Threats: Unauthorized drones could be used for surveillance or illicit activities.
- Safety Hazards: A malfunctioning drone could crash into the crowd or onto the field, endangering thousands.
- Game Disruptions: The NFL and other sports organizations take drone threats seriously, as seen in this case, where the game had to be temporarily halted for safety reasons.
Lessons for Drone Pilots
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of understanding and adhering to drone regulations. Authorities actively monitor restricted airspace and have zero tolerance for violations. As William J. DelBagno, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, stated:
“If you are going to fly a drone, you are responsible for learning all the laws and requirements to responsibly operate it. Failing to do so will not excuse you from the consequences of breaking the law.”
Suarez is presumed innocent until proven guilty, with an initial court appearance expected later this month. However, this incident highlights the growing need for drone pilots to comply with aviation laws to avoid serious legal repercussions.