NYPD Deploys Skydio Drones Over NYC Protest Crowds Amid Safety Concerns
NYPD Deploys Skydio Drones Over Protest Crowds Without Parachutes
The New York Police Department (NYPD) utilized at least six to nine Skydio X10 drones during the ‘No Kings’ protest march in Manhattan on October 18, 2025. Notably, none of these drones were equipped with parachute recovery systems, raising safety concerns as they flew over crowds at an altitude of 200 feet.
Officers from the Technical Assistance Response Unit (TARU) confirmed that the drones monitoring the demonstrators lacked parachutes, despite previous incidents, including a May crash where a Skydio X10 caught fire after landing on a Brooklyn precinct roof.
Operational Concerns and Near-Misses
During the operation, TARU officers operated the drones without direct visual contact, which raises questions about compliance with FAA regulations regarding visual line of sight. A near-miss incident occurred when one drone almost collided with a flying balloon, highlighting the risks of operating drones over large crowds.
While the Skydio drones are equipped with advanced AI-powered obstacle avoidance technology, they struggle to detect and avoid fast-moving objects like balloons. This limitation underscores the potential dangers of flying drones in dynamic environments.
One officer noted, “there have been cases where Skydio drones had fallen out of the sky,” and acknowledged that “safety parachutes would make flying over crowds safer.”
Safety Disparities in Drone Operations
Officers indicated that only Skydio X10 drones launched from automated docks are equipped with parachute systems. In contrast, the drones used for monitoring protests, which fly directly over crowds, do not have this safety feature.
DroneXL observed multiple Skydio drones positioned along the protest route, with some launched from side streets and hovering above the marchers. When battery levels were low, pilots would land the drones, swap batteries, and return them to the air. This practice raises concerns about why drones are not flown alongside the protest route instead of directly overhead, where a malfunction could pose a risk to participants.
Increased Drone Activity and Operational Efficiency
A TARU officer revealed that the NYPD has conducted over 20,000 drone flights in 2025, making it one of the most active law enforcement agencies in the world regarding drone operations. The officer emphasized that drones are significantly more efficient and cost-effective compared to helicopters.
DJI drones are reportedly being phased out for routine operations, with the NYPD now primarily using Skydio drones due to data security concerns regarding foreign-manufactured technology.
Regulatory and Safety Implications
This incident marks the second documented instance of NYPD drone operations at ‘No Kings’ protests, following previous coverage of similar activities in June 2025. The NYPD has received FAA approval for “shielded operations,” allowing flights over people at altitudes up to 200 feet. However, this approval does not specifically address flying over open-air assemblies like protests, which typically require enhanced safety measures.
The admission from officers regarding previous drone failures, combined with the near-miss incident and the lack of direct visual contact, raises concerns about the aggressive operational tactics employed by the NYPD. The potential for serious injury from a falling drone emphasizes the need for improved safety protocols.
The NYPD’s operational tempo, with over 55 drone flights per day, reflects a significant shift in surveillance tactics. However, the efficiency of these operations should not compromise public safety, particularly when safety measures such as parachutes could mitigate risks.