Dem Senator Warns of NFL Draft Security Risks Amid Iran War

Sen. John Fetterman calls for elevated security measures for upcoming NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:51am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, with players, fans, and security personnel represented as fragmented, angular shapes in a vibrant color palette of black, gold, and steel blue.A cubist interpretation of the heightened security concerns surrounding the upcoming NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, as the city prepares to host one of the most iconic sporting events in the country.Today in Pittsburgh

Sen. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, has written a letter to the Department of Homeland Security requesting increased security measures for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Fetterman cited concerns over the ongoing Iran War and the large crowds expected to attend the event, which is set to draw over 700,000 fans and 50 million television viewers.

Why it matters

The NFL Draft is one of the most high-profile sporting events in the United States, attracting massive crowds and media attention. With the ongoing Iran War, there are heightened security concerns around large public gatherings. Fetterman's letter aims to ensure the safety of participants and fans at the event.

The details

In his letter, Fetterman urged the Department of Homeland Security to elevate the Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) for the NFL Draft from a Level 3 to a Level 2 designation. This would provide greater coordination and deployment of federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as additional resources like counter-drone support, K9 units, and enhanced intelligence analysis and sharing.

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

The players

Sen. John Fetterman

A Democratic senator from Pennsylvania who has written a letter to the Department of Homeland Security requesting increased security measures for the upcoming NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency responsible for setting the Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) for high-profile events like the NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“I urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to elevate the Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) for the National Football League's 2026 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.”

— Sen. John Fetterman, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security will review Sen. Fetterman's request and determine if the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh should be designated as a Level 2 SEAR event, which would provide additional federal resources and security measures.

The takeaway

This request highlights the heightened security concerns around large public events in the midst of the ongoing Iran War. The NFL Draft, as a high-profile sporting event, requires robust security planning to ensure the safety of participants and fans.