A San Francisco resident has been charged in a federal criminal complaint after allegedly flying a drone within restricted airspace over Levi’s Stadium during a National Football League game.
According to court documents, Junwei Guo, 27, is accused of operating the drone on November 9, 2025, while the San Francisco 49ers faced the Los Angeles Rams. The flight reportedly violated a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which prohibits aircraft, including drones, from operating within a three-nautical-mile radius of stadiums with seating capacities of 30,000 or more during qualifying events.
Authorities allege the drone reached an altitude of approximately 2,300 feet above ground level, raising concerns about public safety and the potential disruption of nearby air traffic control operations.
The complaint further states that Guo allegedly failed to register the drone, obtain a remote pilot certificate, secure FAA authorization to fly in national defense airspace or comply with recreational flight requirements.
The case was announced by United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. Guo is scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court in San Jose on February 27, 2026. If convicted, Guo faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
The investigation involved the FBI, the Federal Air Marshal Service and the Santa Clara Police Department.
Heightened restrictions ahead of Super Bowl
The FAA, in coordination with the FBI, has also established a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026. Additional restrictions will cover parts of downtown San Francisco in the days leading up to the event, including the Moscone Center, the Ferry Building, Grace Cathedral and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Officials warned that unauthorized drone operators entering restricted airspace may face fines of up to $75,000, confiscation of their aircraft and potential federal criminal charges.
RELATED CONTENT: World Cup sparks counter-drone urgency in the US
Post Image Credit: Cupertino Electric
Follow C-UAS Hub on LinkedIn for regular counter-UAS content updates.
