Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has requested that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) increase security for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, citing heightened global tensions due to the ongoing war with Iran. The draft, scheduled for April 23–25, is expected to attract over 700,000 fans and 50 million viewers.
In a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Fetterman called the NFL Draft "one of the most iconic sporting events held each year" and urged an elevated Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) to ensure safety. He proposed raising the designation from Level 3 to Level 2, which would provide additional federal, state, and local law enforcement resources, including counter-drone support, K9 units, and intelligence analysis.
The draft will be the first held in Pittsburgh since 1948, with events at Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium. Fetterman emphasized the need for heightened security given the "changing threat environment" amid the Iran conflict.
President Donald Trump has previously stated that Iran is "essentially really no longer a threat" following a U.S. military campaign, though the war remains ongoing.