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Feds investigating man accused of flying drone at Detroit Green Day concert

DETROIT — Federal authorities are investigating a man who allegedly interrupted a Green Day concert at Comerica Park Wednesday night by flying a drone onto the stage.

The band was ushered off stage at about 8:50 p.m. as the band performed its hit single “Longview.” The concert resumed about 10 minutes later.

Detroit police officials said the interruption was the result of a man flying a drone into the stadium. The man was questioned but not arrested, Detroit Police Sgt. Daren Zhou said.

“We've forwarded the case to the (U.S. Federal Aviation Administration),” Zhou said.

The FAA bans the flying of drones in and around a radius of 3 nautical miles of stadiums or venues starting one hour before and ending one hour after the scheduled time of major event.

FAA spokeswoman Eva Ngai said, “The FAA investigates all reports of potentially hazardous drone operations.”

The spokeswoman added that although the agency doesn't have the power to pursue criminal charges, it can fine “drone operators who endanger other aircraft or people on the ground” to fines “that exceed $30,000. In addition, the FAA can suspend or revoke drone operators’ pilot certificates.”

The FAA's website said drone operators who conduct unsafe or unauthorized operations face fines up to $75,000 per violation, an increase included in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.

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