A response to the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee exploring security for mass gathering events.
When tens of thousands gather at stadiums, festivals, or national celebrations, the responsibility for their safety falls on dedicated professionals operating behind the scenes who spend months, sometimes years, developing extensive security plans. The recent testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee by Jeremy Hammond of the NCAA Southeastern Conference, a collegiate athletic conference, made one point clear: the threat environment at public events is evolving-and the tools we use to detect and deter those threats must evolve with it.
From fentanyl-laced narcotics to chemical aerosols and even drone-borne hazards, frontline security needs reliable, real-time solutions. That is where 908 Devices comes in with the expertise in ensuring public event safety at large-scale gatherings - from national political conventions and major sporting events such as the Indy 500 and Super Bowl to Independence Day festivities in large metropolitan areas.
What Congress Heard and Why It Matters
Hammond's testimony highlighted three growing concerns:
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Chemical and explosive threats are becoming more sophisticated and difficult to detect using legacy systems.
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Drone intrusions pose unpredictable risks, and current law restricts the ability of local responders to counter them.
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Staffing shortages and budget constraints are making it harder for institutions to field comprehensive security coverage.
Our Response: Portable, Proven, Purpose Built
At 908 Devices, we bridge the gap between lab science and real-world response. Our handheld and portable devices leverage cutting-edge technology-mass spectrometry, FTIR, Raman, and proprietary analytics and machine learning- in formats designed for field use. Our industry-leading technology lineup includes:
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MX908: targets ultra-trace levels of high-threat chemicals (chemical warfare agents, fentanyl analogs, explosives) in vapor, aerosol, liquid, and solid forms-ideal for screening suspicious materials and abandoned items.
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MX908 Beacon: accessory to MX908 that provides remote monitoring and extended operational duration of the MX908 for continuous area monitoring.
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XplorIR: identifies and quantifies thousands of industrial chemicals and toxic gases, essential for threat monitoring around HVAC systems, tunnels, and perimeter entry points.
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VipIR: combines Raman and FTIR spectroscopy in a single sample interface to confidently identify unknown powders, liquids, and gels, critical for screening VIP mail, event deliveries, and suspicious packages.
The Call to Action
We stand ready to partner with:
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Venue security directors seeking efficient, portable chemical detection systems.
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Municipal personnel preparing for major international events like the 2026 World Cup or national political conventions and with funding through the Department of Homeland Security or through the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI).
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College campus safety leaders who want scalable tools that don't require lab expertise to operate.
Public event safety goes beyond barriers, screening, and personnel-it's about smart detection that adapts as threats evolve.