Major summer events bring tighter federal security and surveillance
World Cup matches, America250 events and Fourth of July festivities are drawing heightened security measures and privacy concerns.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
2 min read
U.S. cities tied to this summer’s World Cup and America250 celebrations are expanding surveillance and security measures, The Verge reported. The buildout matters for eventgoers and residents because some of the monitoring may outlast the events themselves, according to privacy advocates cited by The Verge.
The United States is marking its semiquincentennial, known as America250, while also cohosting the World Cup. The Verge reported that cities hosting World Cup events, including Kansas City and New York, have been increasing their surveillance capabilities ahead of the tournament.
Washington, DC, is not hosting World Cup matches, according to The Verge, but it is the site of several major public events this summer. The Verge reported that security measures in the capital have reached unusually high levels, including for Fourth of July events on the National Mall.
The Department of Homeland Security has designated the Fourth of July fireworks on the National Mall and the July 19 World Cup final in New Jersey as National Special Security Events, The Verge reported. DHS uses that designation for the highest tier of security planning, according to The Verge.
The designation is common for some major sports events. The Verge reported that the Super Bowl routinely receives National Special Security Event status, while this year marks the first time the Fourth of July has received that designation.
Other recent events also received the same status, according to The Verge. The UFC fight at the White House in June was designated a National Special Security Event, as was the official UFC watch party on the Ellipse.
People attending the Fourth of July fireworks on the National Mall will face airport-style screening checkpoints, The Verge reported. Folding chairs and coolers will be barred from the event, according to the report.
Law enforcement agencies say they cannot afford to take risks around rare, high-profile events such as America250 and the World Cup, The Verge reported. Privacy advocates cited by The Verge warned that surveillance tools adopted for the summer could remain in place after the celebrations end.
The tension puts public safety planning and civil liberties concerns on a collision course during one of the country’s busiest event seasons. According to The Verge, the measures affect not only spectators entering secured areas but also people living in cities where surveillance systems are being expanded.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.