Fetterman Calls for Heightened Security at NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

Senator urges DHS to escalate security designation amid Iran conflict

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:26pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and waves of color in shades of red, white, and blue, conceptually representing the energy and anticipation surrounding the NFL Draft's return to Pittsburgh.A fractured, high-energy illustration captures the intensity and anticipation surrounding the NFL Draft's return to Pittsburgh.Today in Pittsburgh

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has written to the Department of Homeland Security, requesting that the security designation for the upcoming NFL Draft in Pittsburgh be elevated to a 'Level 2 SEAR event' due to the changing threat environment following the ongoing conflict with Iran. The draft is expected to draw over 700,000 fans to open-air events in the city.

Why it matters

The NFL Draft is a high-profile event that attracts massive crowds, making it a potential target for attacks, especially given the current tensions with Iran. Fetterman's request for heightened security aims to ensure the safety of participants and fans attending the festivities.

The details

In his letter, Fetterman noted that the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh will be the first time the event has been held in the city since 1948, and is expected to draw over 700,000 fans to events in Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium, with more than 50 million viewers tuning in. The senator urged the Department of Homeland Security to elevate the event's security designation from a Level 3 to a Level 2 SEAR (Special Event Assessment Rating) event, which would provide greater coordination and deployment of federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as counter-drone support, K9 units, and enhanced intelligence analysis and sharing.

  • The NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 23-25, 2026.

The players

John Fetterman

A Democratic senator from Pennsylvania who is pressing the Department of Homeland Security to boost security for the upcoming NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

Markwayne Mullin

The current Secretary of Homeland Security, who recently replaced Kristi Noem in the role.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has issued warnings to Iran amid the ongoing conflict.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— John Fetterman, U.S. Senator

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

— Donald Trump

“The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again — Much more to follow! 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!”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security will review Fetterman's request and determine whether to elevate the NFL Draft's security designation to a Level 2 SEAR event.

The takeaway

The heightened security request for the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh highlights the ongoing concerns about potential threats, particularly in the wake of the conflict with Iran. Ensuring the safety of the large crowds expected to attend the event is a top priority for local and federal authorities.