Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson yesterday toured Levi's Stadium to "inspect security arrangements" for Super Bowl 50, according to Mark Washburn of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. Johnson said that he had "been in contact with his anti-terrorism counterparts in France since a series of attacks there, but intelligence agencies were aware of no credible threats" to Sunday's game. Washburn notes a heavy presence of S.F. police officers "has been on the streets of the city where Super Bowl activities and visitors have been centered all week." S.F. Police Chief Greg Surh said that there have been "only a few arrests, 'so far from people having a little too much fun'” (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 2/4). In N.Y., Ken Belson notes Super Bowl security this year "has received greater focus by the league and security officials after the attacks in Paris in November, when terrorists struck several venues, including Stade de France." The attackers "did not get past the gates of the stadium that night, but their attempt was a reminder that stadiums can be targets." The Super Bowl "has a Tier 1 special event assessment rating, which allows federal agencies to spend money to help secure the event." NFL Senior VP & Chief of Security Officer Jeff Miller said that a no-fly zone "would extend" from San Jose to near S.F. Int'l Airport, "starting an hour before the game and continuing until midnight" (N.Y. TIMES, 2/4).
TAKING NO CHANCES: YAHOO SPORTS' Jay Busbee noted security "is visible everywhere around the Super Bowl." Streets have been "closed throughout downtown San Francisco, and police officers are everywhere." Bomb Squad vehicles "are parked not far from the fan zones, and armed security guards are a constant presence." Repurposed military police vehicles "patrol the streets" of Santa Clara, and concrete barriers "block vehicular access from most routes." Helicopters "loom overhead, cameras are visible all over the stadium, and visitors must undergo at least four security checks." It is "all a bit dispiriting and militarized, but law enforcement officials are taking absolutely no chances" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 2/3).
