Securing Our Future: Congress Tackles Safety at Major Events!

310 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C., United States - On July 22, 2025, the Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events held a crucial hearing titled “Lessons Learned: An Examination of Major Security Incidents at Mass Gathering Events.” With risks mounting as the U.S. gears up to host several high-profile events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, the need for robust security measures was paramount. The hearing took place in the Cannon House Office Building and was chaired by Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who urged for increased collaboration between federal and state levels to tackle potential threats efficiently.

Among the witnesses present were prominent figures in law enforcement, such as Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz and retired Boston Police Department Commissioner Ed Davis. They brought firsthand knowledge of security challenges faced during mass gatherings. The public and press were invited to participate, highlighting the transparent approach the Task Force aims to take in addressing these pressing concerns. The session was also livestreamed on YouTube, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Highlighting Past Threats

McCaul’s opening remarks focused on significant historical security incidents that have marred public events. These include the infamous 1996 Olympic bombing in Atlanta, the shocking attack during the New Year’s Day festivities in New Orleans earlier this year, the 1972 Munich Olympics assault on Israeli athletes, and the coordinated ISIS attacks in Paris in 2015. These incidents serve as stark reminders of the vulnerabilities associated with mass gatherings.

Addressing recent threats, McCaul pointed to events like the January 1, 2023, vehicular attack in New Orleans, the crowd security breach during the Copa América final in Miami, and the Kansas City parade shooting. The continuing threat from Iran-linked actors and the uptick in incidents involving drones—more than 2,800 reported during the 2023 NFL season—has raised alarms among security experts. This underscores the necessity for rigorous intelligence sharing and better preparation for the influx of millions of international visitors expected over the coming decade.

New Initiatives for Enhanced Security

In tandem with McCaul’s efforts, Representative Dale W. Strong (AL-05) recently chaired another pivotal hearing focused on “Mass Gathering Events: Assessing Security Coordination and Preparedness.” Strong emphasized the importance of solid cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement as they gear up for major international sporting events such as the 2025 Ryder Cup and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. He highlighted that successful management of these mass gatherings relies heavily on thorough planning and coordination among various entities.

Strong’s hearing further underscored the comprehensive nature of security preparation, which is crucial to safeguarding attendees. The House Committee on Homeland Security’s formation of a bipartisan Task Force aims to enhance security practices by reviewing National Special Security Events (NSSEs) and major Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) events. Strong is also committed to collaborating with the White House on this initiative. In fact, President Trump signed an Executive Order on March 7, 2025, establishing a dedicated White House Task Force specifically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a serious commitment from the federal government to enhance event security.

Confronting Broader Concerns

While curbing physical threats is vital, the hearings also addressed the darker side of large gatherings: the potential for human trafficking. With such events attracting numerous visitors, criminal networks may seek to exploit the situation. Congress has recently passed additional funding to counteract these risks, especially concerning large upcoming events.

In light of these discussions, both McCaul and Strong are reflecting a proactive stance on ensuring safety for citizens and visitors alike. As they continue to deliberate and coordinate, one thing is certain: the safety of crowds at mass gatherings requires an ongoing commitment to vigilance and collaboration across all levels of government.

For more details about the hearing and ongoing efforts for national safety, check out the full reports from the Committee on Homeland Security, Congressman Michael McCaul, and Representative Dale W. Strong.