Seth Vigdor
In wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday night, the NFL is increasing security at stadiums across the country on Sunday. The NFL released the following statement on Saturday:
“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. Following the events in Paris on Friday, we are closely monitoring events and have been in communication with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, which have informed us that there are no known threats against NFL stadiums. In addition to our standard procedures described above, there will be an increased security and law enforcement presence both inside and outside stadiums in the parking lots of our stadiums this weekend. We have been in contact with clubs hosting games to reinforce our standard procedures and the league’s best practices. We strongly recommend that fans do not bring bags with them to the stadium. If it is essential to bring a bag, it must be in compliance with the clear bag policy which requires that it be made of clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12.” It is important that all fans comply with these requirements, and we appreciate their efforts to cooperate with these security measures. The NFL and team security departments work closely with stadium operation personnel and federal, state, and local law enforcement to provide a safe experience for the more than 17 million fans who annually attend NFL games. The NFL and its teams continually evaluate and improve our comprehensive security plan.”
On Friday night, terrorists launched attacks on six locations in Paris, one of which was outside a soccer stadium, where France was playing Germany and where the President of France was watching the game. While the carnage in France from the attacks in which ISIS has now claimed responsibility for was absolutely awful, a new report suggests that the attack had the potential to be even worse than it already was. The report indicates that one of the terrorists actually tried to get into the stadium to detonate a bomb and cause a stampede of those that did survive the potential blast. That would’ve been even more devastating.
We live in a scary world at times, so it’s no wonder that after what Paris went through Friday night, that the NFL is putting measures in place to protect the fans that plan on attending the games on Sunday. Unfortunately, the NFL, America, and all those that believe in freedom need to remain on high alert at all times with sickos like these terrorists trying to do harm to us.
On a related note, the commissioner put out a memo on Saturday to all NFL teams, to observe a moment of silence for the victims of the Paris attacks. Here’s the Tweet from the league spokesman, Greg Aiello.
If you’re attending the Eagles game or any other games this weekend, please stay alert for any suspicious activity and please stay safe.