Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) is urging the Department of Homeland Security to increase security for the upcoming 2026 NFL draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, citing heightened global tensions amid the war with Iran.
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.
In a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Fetterman called the draft “one of the most iconic sporting events held each year” and requested an elevated federal security posture.
“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,” Fetterman wrote.
DHS classifies major gatherings under its Special Event Assessment Rating system, which ranges from Level 1 — the highest level of federal coordination and support — to Level 5, which encompasses events with some national recognition but generally have a state or local focus. Events such as the Super Bowl typically receive a Level 1 designation.
A Level 2 designation would allow for expanded coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement, along with additional resources such as counter-drone capabilities, K9 units, and enhanced intelligence sharing.
The request comes as the United States and Israel have been engaged in a war with Iran for more than a month, raising concerns about possible security risks for large public gatherings.
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.
TRUMP’S TWO PATHS FOR IRAN WAR: NEGOTIATION OR ESCALATION
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 shot down over Iranian territory — a claim that, if confirmed, would mark the first such incident in the war. One of the two pilots was reportedly recovered.
Separately, multiple U.S. troops were injured 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.
Amid the escalation, Fetterman emphasized the need for increased federal support for the draft.
“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,” he said.
