The Department of Homeland Security is working with the National Football League and state and local partners to deploy a range of security technologies and measures to help protect players and fans during the Super Bowl game between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas this Sunday.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said at a press conference in Las Vegas Wednesday that the Department of Homeland Security has deployed 385 personnel across the city to provide security assistance to local law enforcement to ensure participation in the massive game for approximately 6Safety of 50,000 people.
"To be clear, there is no known, credible, specific threat to Super Bowl or Las Vegas at this time, but we are vigilant and prepared," he said. ”
Mayorkas noted that the January 28 AFC championship match between the Baltimore Ravens and the Chiefs was postponed due to an "administrative pause" as an unidentified drone flew over the stadium, adding that "it doesn't take much imagination to understand the significant threat that such an event could pose." ”
The National Football League, as well as federal, state, and local**, have declared Super Bowl games a no-fly zone for drones. Mayorkas said DHS agencies are working to provide resources and support to the NFL and law enforcement officers to prevent other threats.
He noted that the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Countering Mass Destruction** "has deployed cutting-edge detection technology to prepare for such a potential disaster," and that the CyberSecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has conducted workshops, planning exercises, and vulnerability assessments with local partners.
Mayorkas also said the NFL has partnered with CISA to "encourage fans, NFL teams and league staff to take four simple steps to help protect themselves and their customers safely." ”
The Department of Homeland Security said in a news release that the department "is using its critical technology assets and dedicated staff to protect Super Bowl stadiums, Super Bowl week events and the City of Las Vegas from potential threats." ”
The department said the NFL received a Security Act designation from the Department of Homeland Security, which allows** "investments in the latest security technologies, procedures, services, controls and systems to promote structural and physical security during the Super Bowl." ”
"These measures give the providers of these technologies the protection of liability in the event of a terrorist attack," the ministry added. ”
The Department of Homeland Security also noted that U.S. Customs and Border Protection is "providing assets including aviation security,** surveillance capabilities and non-invasive inspections of vehicles and cargo" to help mitigate potential threats to stadiums.