NFL News 2015: League Steps Up Security after Paris Attacks
Following the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris where one of the locations targeted was a soccer stadium, the NFL announced that it will be increasing its "security and law enforcement" presence for the games.
In a statement released to the media, the league added that they are currently talking with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation about the increased security as a precautionary measure since the attacks in France last Friday.
Part of the statement reads:
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"The safety of our fans, stadium personnel, and teams at all NFL games is our priority, and security at our games is robust. Our procedures have been certified and designated by the Department of Homeland Security since 2008 as effective anti-terrorism technology. All NFL clubs use mandatory metal detector screening and multiple layers of perimeter security external to the stadium to safeguard fans and the stadium from explosive threats."
While the NFL admits that there are no immediate or known threats as of the moment, they still will be adding security to 13 stadiums where games are to be played tonight and on Monday, including inside and the parking lots outside.
The league currently uses a standard security program that was approved and certified by the Department of Homeland Security back in 2008, but officials said that fans must avoid brining bags, especially large ones to the games if they want to avoid getting through search protocols, especially metal detector screenings.
On Sunday, fans were met with substantial changes in security in different stadiums across the country, including the presence of state troopers, metal detectors, and even bomb-sniffing dogs. However, teams didn't disclose their own measures to increase security, but the league requested all of them to provide more law enforcement presence.
As a show of support for France and to honor the victims of the Paris attacks, the league said that there will be moments of silence before the start of the games. Opening kickoffs will be moved back so that TV networks will be able to show the moment of silence live.
