Maryland Man Flew Over NFL Wild Card Game In January

Alexis Perez Suarez, a 43-year-old man from Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty to violating national defense airspace knowingly and intentionally by flying a drone over the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on January 11, 2025 during the NFL’s Wild Card Game. Magistrate Judge Charles D. Austin sentenced Suarez to one year of supervised probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $500 fine.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the plea along with Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski of the FBI Baltimore Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Greg Thompson of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General Mid-Atlantic Regional Office, and Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.

Suarez violated the TFR (temporary flight restriction) that was put in place around the stadium that prohibits certain aircraft, including UAVs, from operating within a three-nautical-mile radius of the stadium. TFRs are standard any more for stadiums or sporting venues hosting regular season or postseason games for the NFL, Major League Baseball, NVAA Division I, NASCAR Cup, Indy Car, and Champ Series Race.

TFRs are in effect for one hour before the game and one hour after the end of the event.

Hayes said, “Public safety is a top priority, so we’re committed to protecting our airways above mass gatherings. Suarez knew that M&T Bank Stadium was under a temporary flight restriction, yet he flew his drone into the airspace anyway, which is unacceptable.

“There is a zero-tolerance policy for operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems in No Drone Zones. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our partners, will hold those accountable who ignore the rules and regulations surrounding restricted airspace.”

Koldjeski said, “It is not just irresponsible and reckless, but illegal to fly a drone over a major sporting event such as a Ravens playoff game. Capturing a photo is not worth the risk of hurting any spectators, players, or employees. As shown by this investigation, the FBI and our partners will hold those caught violating the law fully accountable."

Thompson said, “Federal laws regulating the use of drones exist for a reason: to protect people and keep our skies safe. Flying drones illegally— especially overcrowded sporting events — is reckless and dangerous. Today’s guilty plea underscores our commitment to working with our partners to hold violators accountable and prevent potential disasters.”

FMI:  www.justice.gov/