Fetterman Requests Increased Federal Support Ahead of NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

BRADDOCK, PA - Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) penned a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin requesting a heightened federal security designation ahead of the National Football League (NFL) draft hosted in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

"The NFL Draft is one of the most iconic sporting events held each year. It draws football fans from around the country to cheer on the newest members of their favorite teams. The Draft is historically rooted in Pennsylvania," wrote Senator Fetterman. "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."

The Department of Homeland Security initially designated the 2026 NFL Draft as a Level 3 Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) event. Due to the changing threat environment in the wake of war in Iran, Senator Fetterman requested that the Department elevate it to a Level 2 SEAR event. This designation would provide greater coordination and deployment of federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as 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," continued the senator.

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

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Dear Secretary Mullin:

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. It draws football fans from around the country to cheer on the newest members of their favorite teams. The Draft is historically rooted in Pennsylvania. After Philadelphia Eagles co-owner Bert Bell proposed the idea to level the playing field between franchises in 1935, the first NFL Draft was held at the Philadelphia Ritz-Carlton in 1936. This year's Draft is a three-day event that will take place from April 23 to April 25. 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.

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. A Level 2 designation would provide greater coordination and deployment of federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as 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.

I thank you for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,