Mass Gathering Events: Assessing Security Coordination and Preparedness

Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response

2025-05-21

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Summary

The Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management Technology convened to assess security best practices, highlight challenges, and understand coordination efforts among federal, state, local, and private sector entities for mass gathering events. The discussion emphasized the complexities of safeguarding large crowds and critical infrastructure against a variety of evolving threats, particularly in anticipation of upcoming major international events.

Themes

Security Preparedness and Coordination for Mass Gatherings

The hearing focused on the critical need for security preparedness and coordination for mass gathering events, which are inherently attractive targets for malicious actors due to large crowds in concentrated areas. Ensuring safety requires complex coordination among federal, state, and local authorities, including law enforcement and emergency services, as well as close collaboration with the sports and entertainment industries. Major international events like the 2025 and 2026 FIFA World Cups and the 2028 Summer Olympics present significant security challenges, necessitating an "all-hands-on-deck" approach from DHS and substantial financial investment. Sheriffs and local police departments primarily manage security for these events nationwide. Effective security relies on proven strategies, proper resourcing, and robust communication among law enforcement partners. The Incident Command System (ICS) was highlighted as a standardized, scalable protocol crucial for command, control, communication, and coordination across all government levels during such events.

Threats and Challenges to Mass Gatherings

Mass gathering events face persistent terrorist threats and other dangers, as evidenced by past incidents like the New Year's Eve attack on Bourbon Street and fan behavior issues at the Copa America match[ 00:16:33-00:16:38 ]

. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones pose a significant and evolving threat, with instances of illegal activity including dropping leaflets, interfering with aircraft, and narcotics trafficking into jails[ 00:16:04-00:16:27 ] . The misuse of drones for potentially deadlier purposes is a serious concern, particularly as cartels are already using advanced drone technology, which could spread domestically[ 00:16:27 ] . Vehicle attacks are another hallmark of modern crowd attacks, as seen in New Orleans, and campus environments are particularly vulnerable due to soft targets[ 00:16:33 ] . Homegrown violent extremists and domestic terrorists, who are often spontaneous and not on law enforcement radar, pose unique threats, as highlighted by New Jersey's assessment[ 01:10:21-01:10:25 ] [ 01:11:24-01:11:47 ] . The current threat environment is more complex than in previous decades, with unknown actors entering the country and tensions from global conflicts impacting events.

Funding and Authority for Security Efforts

There is a critical need for sustained and enhanced federal funding, particularly for FEMA preparedness grants like the State Homeland Security Program (SHSGP), Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), and Operation Stone Garden. Concerns were raised about proposed budget cuts to NOAA, FEMA's non-disaster grant programs, and the potential elimination of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium and National Fire Academy[ 00:48:11-00:48:21 ]

. These cuts are seen as severely undermining the ability to detect threats, support law enforcement, and prepare for major events, potentially leading to increased devastation from future emergencies. Local law enforcement lacks the legal authority to effectively counter drone activity, even when using tracking technology, creating a critical gap in security[ 00:35:03 ] . Witnesses advocate for expanding counter-UAS authority to local law enforcement, establishing a legal framework for the deployment and operation of counter-UAS systems, and lowering attendance thresholds for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)[ 00:35:18 ] [ 00:36:42-00:36:53 ] .

Intelligence Sharing and Technology

Fusion centers are central to national security, facilitating intelligence sharing across government levels and providing critical information to personnel on the ground[ 00:47:15 ]

. These centers have evolved to address "all crimes, all hazards," including domestic terrorism, extremist groups, and trafficking, and are crucial for real-time risk mitigation. While advanced technology, including drones for public safety, is available, the risks of cyberattacks and sophisticated adversaries like cartels require continuous advancement in capabilities. Communication and interoperability are vital, with a need for national standards in crowd control tactics (like mobile field force) and integrated radio systems across agencies. There is a call for re-evaluating the SEER rating system to provide consistent federal interagency support for large public events, as many significant events currently do not qualify[ 00:41:28-00:41:35 ] [ 00:43:11-00:43:18 ] .

Tone of the Meeting

The tone of the meeting was one of serious concern and urgency regarding the escalating threats to mass gathering events[ 00:40:04 ]

. Speakers emphasized the need for immediate action, robust collaboration, and sustained investment to counter sophisticated and evolving threats. There was a strong bipartisan call for increased federal support, particularly in funding and legislative authority, with several members expressing dismay over potential budget cuts to critical preparedness programs[ 00:17:03-00:17:09 ] . Despite the challenges, there was a commitment to ensuring the safety and success of upcoming national and international events[ 00:17:03-00:17:09 ] .