Law enforcement agencies in Illinois have been put on high alert following a new warning from terrorism experts about the possibility of drone-related attacks.
The Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center (STIC) has issued an extensive risk assessment, emphasizing the dangers posed by unmanned aircraft systems in the hands of individuals or groups with malicious intent.
The report assesses the likelihood of drones being used to target essential infrastructure in Illinois. Officials stress that, while no known immediate threats exist, recent incidents across the country highlight the growing concern.
Law enforcement agencies across the country have been closely monitoring the evolving threat posed by drones.
In one alarming case from Tennessee in 2024, a suspect was charged federally for allegedly attempting to attack an energy facility with a drone equipped with a weapon of mass destruction. According to reports, the suspect was preparing to strap pipe bombs to a drone and target a power substation.
The risk goes beyond physical destruction. Experts warn that drones, particularly those made by foreign companies, could be used to collect and transmit sensitive information, jeopardizing national security.
“If they’re in the wrong hands and used maliciously, they can be an incredible threat,” said Police Affairs Consultant Bill Kushner. “There is currently no mechanism in place to detect and stop them. We’d rely on 911 calls from people saying, ‘Hey, there’s a drone flying here, there’s a drone flying there.'”
While Illinois has not yet been targeted, the state’s extensive network of power substations, water treatment facilities, and natural gas pipelines offers a variety of potential targets.
“How many ComEd substations do you pass?” “How many water pumping plants can you see in your neighborhood?” Kushner observed. “These are all relatively soft targets. “A drone carrying explosives could fly right in.”
The STIC report also mentions a concerning recent incident involving the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. A drone was spotted flying over the rally site hours before the attack, raising the possibility that it was used for reconnaissance.
Officials emphasize that both law enforcement and the general public must be vigilant in order to prevent a drone attack from taking place.
“It will rely on preventive measures,” Kushner explained. “It’s going to rely on public awareness—reporting suspicious activity, notifying law enforcement, and ensuring that potential threats are stopped before they become reality.”
The report also includes propaganda images from extremist organizations like ISIS, which depict drones as potential weapons. One image, which reportedly circulated in mid-2024, shows drones being used to target a major sporting event in New York.