New York to deploy drone mitigation security at U.S. Open

New York City police are implementing a comprehensive security plan for the upcoming U.S. Open tennis tournament, featuring drone mitigation technology for the first time. Police Chief Jessica Tisch announced that the NYPD will utilize its own equipment and tactics to protect the event from drones, a significant shift from previous reliance on federal capabilities.

This independent drone mitigation program is enabled by the "Safe Skies Act," passed by Congress in 2025 and effective July 1. The law empowers local law enforcement to electronically redirect drones using electromagnetic signals. "This authority to make rules allows us, for the first time, to use our own personnel, our own tools, and our own equipment under independent authority," explained Deputy Chief Rebecca Weiner of the Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau. "We are now doing what the federal government has traditionally done, which is electronic drone mitigation."

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This is the first time that the law enforcement agency will resort to its own tools and tactics to protect the sporting event from drones.

The U.S. Open, held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, begins with Fan Week on Sunday, followed by the main draw on August 30. This year's tournament boasts a record $5.5 million prize for both men's and women's singles champions. The extensive police presence will include bomb squads, air units, mounted patrols, emergency services, and counterterrorism teams, supported by explosive detection dogs, heavy weapons units, plainclothes officers, and patrols in nearby subway stations. Concrete barriers and over 100 lighting towers will also be installed throughout the complex.

Despite the enhanced security, Tisch stated there are no credible threats to the event at this time. However, the increasing use of drones at sporting events remains a concern, prompting a temporary federal flight restriction over the venue. Approximately 1.2 million people are expected to attend, with all attendees undergoing security screening.

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This authority to make rules allows us, for the first time, to use our own personnel, our own tools, and our own equipment under independent authority; we are now doing what the federal government has traditionally done, which is electronic drone mitigation.