FBI probes YouTuber for posting drone videos of military bases

In recent developments concerning national security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been alerted to a situation involving unauthorized drone footage being posted openly on YouTube. The incidents took place over military facilities in Guam, particularly over the U.S. Marine Corps base Camp Blaz. It was reported that an individual named Cruz was responsible for flying drones and capturing aerial videos of restricted airspace above the bases, prompting serious concerns among authorities regarding the potential for unauthorized surveillance of Defense Department properties. Given that both events were significant violations of security protocols, the FBI acted promptly. The investigation revealed that the airspace is considered sensitive and falls under strict regulations due to national security implications, making the actions of the individual particularly alarming. On these occasions, Cruz allegedly documented the military site with a drone before making the footage public. This was not the first time such an incident had transpired, as previous occurrences had already raised red flags regarding security measures at these installations. In fact, the situation prompted a search warrant to be issued for Cruz's residence and his Harley Davidson motorcycle, emphasizing the urgency and seriousness with which the FBI approached the matter. Details from the investigation suggest that Cruz had agreed not to film over Department of Defense locations previously, following an interview after an earlier incident, highlighting a pattern of disregard for legal protocols surrounding military surveillance. This pattern brought to light the inadequacies in existing anti-drone measures at the bases. The U.S. has maintained a substantial military presence on the island of Guam for decades, serving strategic purposes in the East Asia region. With Camp Blaz only recently opening in 2023, it stands amidst ongoing enhancements, including significant funding from the Japanese government. As the first groups of marines and sailors settle into the recently constructed barracks, the implications of unauthorized drone footage over the base serve as a crucial reminder of the need for robust surveillance and protective measures in such sensitive areas. The FBI has reiterated its commitment to preventing unauthorized surveillance efforts that could compromise national security and has indicated that procedures must be strengthened to deter incidents similar to those experienced with Cruz's drone activities.