Ben Affleck returned to his Brentwood mansion after evacuating due to the Palisades Fire, only to be met with an unexpected visit from authorities.
On January 12, reports surfaced that FBI agents and local law enforcement from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department raided the actor’s home. Pictures obtained by Page Six showed officials gathered outside the 56-year-old’s residence, creating a stir about the reason for their presence.
Initially, the purpose of the visit was unclear, but it has since been revealed that the officials were investigating unauthorized drone activity connected to the wildfires in the area. According to a statement from the FBI’s press relations office, “Members of the FBI’s Ground Intercept Task Force are conducting activity in the area of the Palisades Fire related to unauthorized drone activity.”
Authorities were reportedly seeking assistance from Affleck, who may have had CCTV footage of a private drone that caused damage to a super scooper aircraft used in firefighting efforts.
Sources close to the investigation said the drone incident was under investigation as it posed a potential risk to the firefighting efforts. It remains unclear whether Affleck’s property had footage of the drone in question.
The actor, known for roles in “Batman” and “Gone Girl,” has yet to comment on the incident. The visit from law enforcement has drawn attention, but the connection to the wildfire investigation is now confirmed.
