Republican Midterm Convention: Secret Service drones to help protect Trump during Dallas visit
DALLAS - There will be plenty of security on both the ground and in the sky during this week's RNC Midterm Convention in Dallas, including a fleet of Secret Service drones to see what human eyes can't.
Secret Service sky patrol
What we know:
High-tech unmanned drones will be in use by the Secret Service to provide security during Wednesday and Thursday's RNC Midterm Convention in Downtown Dallas.
The drones have been in use by the Secret Service since the 2024 assassination attempt against President Donald Trump during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Secret Service drones have the capability to intercept communication between civilian drones and their operators, and can pinpoint the operator's location.
You'll see the drones not just over the American Airlines Center, where the RNC Midterm Convention takes place, but also throughout Downtown Dallas and surrounding areas.
The Federal Aviation Administration has established a no-fly zone within three miles of the American Airlines Center from 2:45 p.m. on Sept. 9 through 10:45 p.m. on Sept. 11. Exceptions are in place for commercial flights, but others must have pre-approval from the FAA to fly during those dates.
The Secret Service is coordinating their drone security operation with the FBI, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Dallas Police Department.
What they're saying:
"If we encounter a drone that is unauthorized in the space, we'll assess and determine if that item is a threat. If they are in violation of the FAA's areas of temporary flight restrictions, law enforcement action will be taken," Brent Harris, the Assistant Division Chief over Aviation and Aerospace for the U.S. Secret Service Dallas Division, tells FOX 4's Shaun Rabb.
Brent Harris
The Secret Service provided demonstrations of the counter drone technology on Tuesday. They say the demonstration is to help raise awareness of flight restrictions for the event.
"Part of our layered security approach is doing this public outreach, ensuring that people are aware that there are restrictions in place for the event," Harris continued. "If you're not sure if you should be flying somewhere, don't fly there. That will increase the security to the public and the safety of the event."
More RNC security information
Republican midterm convention: Dallas streets, DART station closed for political event
With the Republican midterm convention set to be held at the American Airlines Center from Sept. 9 to Sept. 10, various parts of Downtown Dallas will be closed off this week.
Dig deeper:
Several streets will be closed near the American Airlines Center from Sept. 7 until midnight on Sept. 11. Affected streets include: Victory Avenue, North Houston Street, Nowitzki Way, Payne Street, and North Field Street.
The DART Victory Park station will also be closed during the event. No Uber or Lyft rideshares will be allowed in the "secure zone" around the convention.
Expected street closures for RNC midterm convention
Crews were seen installing temporary fencing around the area surrounding the American Airlines Center last week, and Secret Service agents were seen inspecting the area.
The Secret Service says checkpoints will be required for both foot traffic and vehicle traffic around the arena for the duration of the convention.
Dallas is estimating a $1.8 million cost for Dallas Police to provide security for the event.
What's next:
The RNC Midterm Convention begins at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
The FAA's flight restrictions for the event can be found here.
The Source: Information in this story comes from the Secret Service and previous FOX 4 reporting.