Rapid advances in artificial intelligence and plummeting drone costs pose growing dangers to U.S. cities, warns the Police Executive Research Forum in its report "A Clear and Present Danger." The Washington-based think tank urges law enforcement to treat drone threats with the urgency applied to pre-9/11 terrorism risks. While no major domestic drone attacks have occurred, unauthorized flights are surging: about 23,000 illegal drone flights are reported monthly in New York City, and hundreds were seized near World Cup games this summer.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called drones the threat that "keeps me up at night," noting commercial drones can be easily weaponized. Last month, the NYPD gained federal authority under the Safer Skies Act to disable unauthorized drones during major events, a policy shift Executive Director Chuck Wexler called a turning point for local law enforcement. Previously, agencies lacked training and equipment, relying on federal officials.

Global conflicts highlight the risks. Ukrainian officials reported a Russian AI-guided drone killed three people, and the U.S. military deployed low-cost drones against Iran's Shahed arsenal. In June, federal officials foiled a plot targeting UFC matches on the White House lawn involving explosive-laden drones. The FBI has opened a National Counter-Drone Center to coordinate response.