{"id":2586962,"date":"2026-04-03T16:11:02","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T20:11:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/fetterman-requests-additional-security-for-pittsburgh-nfl-draft\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T16:13:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T20:13:54","slug":"fetterman-requests-additional-security-for-pittsburgh-nfl-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/fetterman-requests-additional-security-for-pittsburgh-nfl-draft\/","title":{"rendered":"Fetterman requests additional security for Pittsburgh NFL draft"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">16<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Ffetterman-requests-additional-security-for-pittsburgh-nfl-draft%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2586962&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Sen. John Fetterman is urging the Department of Homeland Security to raise the security posture for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, citing heightened global tensions amid the war with Iran. The event,set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh,is expected to attract more then 700,000 fans and tens of millions of viewers. In a letter to DHS secretary Markwayne Mullin,Fetterman asks DHS to elevate the Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) from Level 3 to Level 2,which would enable expanded federal coordination and additional resources such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/american-defense-priorities-following-ukraine-war\/\" title=\"American Defense Priorities After Ukraine ...\">counter-drone capabilities<\/a>,K-9 units,and enhanced intelligence sharing.<\/p>\n<p>The article places the request in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/trump-calls-on-republicans-to-pass-clean-extension-of-fisa\/\" title=\"Trump calls on Republicans to pass clean extension of FISA\">broader security context<\/a> of ongoing hostilities between the United States (along with Israel) and Iran, noting that domestic threat levels have risen since the war began and that DRs discussed a stronger federal security posture for large gatherings. It also references related political debate over Iran policy, including former DHS secretary Kristi Noem\u2019s congressional testimony and mentions of contrasting paths for Iran-negotiation versus escalation.<\/p>\n<p>Additional items in the report include claims from Iranian state media that a U.S. fighter jet was shot down over Iranian territory (a claim that would represent a frist if confirmed, with one pilot reportedly recovered) and reports that multiple U.S. troops were wounded in an Iranian attack on prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, which also destroyed a U.S. E-3 Sentry aircraft.Fetterman argues that elevating the SEAR designation would ensure more resources are available to keep participants and fans safe.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Fetterman requests extra DHS security for NFL draft in Pittsburgh citing Iran war<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2551361\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>Sen. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/john-fetterman\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"1175\">John Fetterman<\/a> (D-PA) is urging the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/department-of-homeland-security\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"3083\">Department of Homeland Security<\/a> to increase security for the upcoming 2026 <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/nfl\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"59\"><\/a><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/nfl-draft\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"11329\">NFL draft<\/a> in <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/pittsburgh\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"11198\">Pittsburgh<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/pennsylvania\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"629\">Pennsylvania<\/a>, citing heightened global tensions amid the war with <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/iran\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"100\">Iran<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The draft is scheduled to take place in the Steel City from April 23 to 25 and is expected to draw more than 700,000 fans, with over 50 million viewers projected to watch across television and digital platforms.<\/p>\n<p>In a letter to DHS Secretary <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/markwayne-mullin\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"21441\">Markwayne Mullin<\/a>, Fetterman called the draft &ldquo;one of the most <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >iconic sporting events held<\/a> each year&rdquo; and requested an elevated federal security posture.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>&ldquo;Previously, DHS designated the Draft a Level 3 SEAR event, but I urge DHS to elevate it to a Level 2 SEAR event given the changing threat environment in the wake of the war in Iran,&rdquo; <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fetterman.senate.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2026-03-27-Fetterman-Ltr-to-DHS-Mullin-re-NFL-Draft-SEAR.pdf\">Fetterman wrote<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>DHS classifies major gatherings under its Special Event Assessment Rating system, which ranges from Level 1 &mdash; the highest level of federal coordination and support &mdash; to Level 5, which encompasses events with some national&nbsp;recognition but generally have a state or local focus. Events such as the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/super-bowl\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"905\">Super Bowl<\/a> typically receive a Level 1 designation.<\/p>\n<p>A Level 2 designation would allow for expanded coordination among federal, state, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/president-trump-pledges-orderly-transition-of-power\/\" title=\"President Trump pledges orderly transition of power\">local law enforcement<\/a>, along with additional resources such as counter-drone capabilities, K9 units, and enhanced intelligence sharing.<\/p>\n<p>The request comes as the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/united-states\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"671\">United States <\/a>and <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/israel\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"219\">Israel<\/a> have been engaged in a war with Iran for more than a month, raising concerns about possible security risks for large public gatherings.<\/p>\n<p>Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem testified to Congress that the U.S. has seen a rise in domestic threat level since the beginning of the war, and the administration has warned about terrorist cells targeting the U.S.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/defense\/4505467\/trump-two-paths-iran-war-negotiation-escalation\/\"><strong>TRUMP&rsquo;S TWO PATHS FOR IRAN WAR: NEGOTIATION OR ESCALATION<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>U.S. officials have signaled openness to peace talks, but hostilities continue to escalate. Iranian state media reported Friday that a U.S. fighter jet was <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/defense\/4515144\/us-fighter-jet-shot-down-iran\/\">shot down over Iranian territory<\/a> &mdash; a claim that, if confirmed, would mark the first such incident in the war. One of the two pilots was reportedly recovered.<\/p>\n<p>Separately, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4508105\/us-troops-wounded-iran-strike-saudi-arabia\/\">multiple U.S. troops were injured <\/a>in a recent Iranian attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia last week, which also destroyed a U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry aircraft.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Amid the escalation, Fetterman emphasized the need for increased federal support for the draft.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Increasing the SEAR designation for the Draft will help ensure that additional resources are deployed to keep participants and fans secure and able to enjoy the Draft without fear,&rdquo; he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fetterman asks DHS to boost security for 2026 NFL draft<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4195,"featured_media":2586963,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Fetterman.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[7921,77108,4857,3646],"class_list":["post-2586962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-fetterman","tag-nfl-draft-2","tag-pittsburgh","tag-security"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Fetterman.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2586962","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4195"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2586962"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2586962\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2586966,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2586962\/revisions\/2586966"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2586963"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2586962"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2586962"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2586962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}