Senate

Fetterman asks for heightened security for NFL draft in Pittsburgh

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by Fiona Bork - 04/03/26 1:26 PM ET

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by Fiona Bork - 04/03/26 1:26 PM ET

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Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is pressing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to boost security at the NFL draft set to take place in Pittsburgh later this month as the conflict in Iran persists.

“This is the first time since 1948 that the NFL will host the Draft in Pittsburgh. It is expected to draw well over 700,000 fans to open-air events in 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,” Fetterman wrote in a letter addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who recently replaced Kristi Noem.

“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,” the senator added.

The U.S. and Israel launched a joint military campaign against the Islamic Republic nearly five weeks ago. In his most recent comments on the war, President Trump warned Tehran it needs to make a deal with his administration to end the conflict.

“Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran,” Trump wrote Thursday on Truth Social. “Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!”

“The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again — Much more to follow!” he said in a separate post. “IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY!”

Iranian media reported Friday the country struck down the first U.S. fighter jet since the military operation began.

The NFL draft will take place from April 23-25 and will feature various festivities, including live concerts from popular artists and mass gatherings of people on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park.

Due to the expected turnout, Fetterman asked the DHS to escalate security up to a “Level 2 designation,” which he argued “would provide greater coordination and deployment of federal, state, and local law enforcement.”

He noted the Level 2 designation would also offer “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 keep participants and fans secure and able to enjoy the Draft without fear,” Fetterman concluded.

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