Overview
- DHS designated the June 13–14 UFC Freedom 250 on the White House South Lawn and the Ellipse Fan Fest as SEAR 1, the highest special‑event security rating.
- SEAR 1 covers events with national or international importance that need extensive federal support, a tier that also includes the Super Bowl and major marathons.
- DHS will field a Federal Coordination Team to link federal, state, and local partners, manage requests for support, and keep shared situational awareness through planning and execution.
- Expected measures include restricted airspace and no‑drone zones, explosive‑detection canine teams, cyber risk assessments, screening checkpoints, surveillance, and tactical support.
- Organizers expect only invited seating on the South Lawn while large crowds gather on the Ellipse, potentially up to about 90,000 people, and officials say detailed agency roles are still being finalized as the event proceeds without an NSS designation.