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Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., wrote a letter to the Department of Homeland Security requesting special security accommodations for the upcoming NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
Fetterman cited his concerns amid the ongoing Iran war to justify his desire for more security.
“I urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to raise the Special Events Evaluation Rating (SEAR) for the 2026 National Football League Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to ensure the safety of participants and fans at the event. The NFL Draft is one of the most iconic sporting events held each year,” the letter begins.
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Senator John Fetterman listens during a confirmation hearing for Senator Markwayne Mullin, Republican of Oklahoma, for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC, March 18. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“This is the first time since 1948 that the NFL has hosted the draft in Pittsburgh. It is expected to draw more than 700,000 fans to the outdoor events at Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium, and more than 50 million viewers are expected to tune in to watch the draft on television or online. Previously, DHS had designated the draft as a SEAR Level 3 event, but I urge DHS to elevate it to Level 2, given the changing threat environment in the wake of the war in Iran.
“A Tier 2 designation would allow for greater coordination and deployment of federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as counter-drone support, K9 units, and intelligence analysis and sharing. Increasing the SEAR designation for the draft will help ensure that additional resources are deployed to ensure participants and fans are safe and can enjoy the draft without fear.”
TRUMP SAYS IRAN’S PARTICIPATION IN WORLD CUP MAY NOT BE ‘APPROPRIATE,’ WHILE ADDING MEN’S TEAM IS STILL ‘WELCOMED’
A general view of Heinz Field during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 2, 2022 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
The draft is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh April 23-25.
President Donald Trump said Iran was “fundamentally no longer a threat” after a 32-day U.S. military campaign, during a prime-time speech Wednesday.
“I can say tonight that we are on track to achieve all of America’s military objectives shortly. Very soon, we are going to hit them extremely hard in the war. next two to three weeks” Trump said. “We’re going to take them back to the Stone Age, where they belong. In the meantime, discussions continue.”
“We have been participating in this military operation… for 32 days,” he added. “And the country has been eviscerated and is no longer much of a threat.”
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The mission known as Operation Epic Fury began just over a month ago, on February 28.
Since then, U.S. forces have struck more than 12,000 targets in Iran and damaged or destroyed 155 warships, according to Central Command. Thirteen American soldiers died during the operations and 350 were injured.
