This summer, venues across the nation are getting ready to host large crowds of enthusiastic fans and spectators as America gets ready to mark 250 years of freedom. At the same time, the nation is preparing to host an expected 5-7 million international visitors during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, which represents the largest and most complex sporting event in world history in both footprint and size. To put it in perspective, this effort alone is equivalent to hosting multiple NFL Super Bowl events simultaneously. It takes months of planning across private sector and government partners at all levels to ensure that large-scale special events like these deliver the safe, secure experience fans expect.
At the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), this includes working to prevent and protect against threats like improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Through its Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP), CISA provides critical resources, training, and tools to help prepare for, respond to, and recover from bomb threats.
Comprehensive Training to Enhance Bombing Prevention and Preparedness
One of OBP’s core missions is to provide training to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to identify, assess, and respond to potential bombing threats. These no-cost training opportunities support a wide range of participants including law enforcement, first responders, security professionals, corporate leaders, and community members.
Just a few of the courses they offer include:
Bomb Threat Management Workshop: This essential course provides participants with guidance on developing and implementing effective bomb threat management plans, ensuring they are prepared to respond decisively and effectively to threats.
Suspicious Behaviors and Items: Provides participants with an introduction to recognizing and responding to suspicious behaviors and activities related to terrorist or criminal activities. Participants learn how to assess and report unattended or suspicious items.
IED Awareness and Safety Procedures: This course equips participants with knowledge on identifying IEDs, understanding their effects, and implementing safe response procedures.
Training is delivered through multiple formats, including in-person instruction, live virtual sessions, and self-paced online courses, ensuring accessibility across the country.
Practical Tools and Resources for Planning and Preparedness
Planning and preparedness are essential to mitigating event risk. CISA offers resources to guide event planners, businesses, and communities in developing robust security measures and bomb threat management strategies. Practical tools like CISA’s Bomb Threat Guidance for developing site-specific response protocols, Suspicious UAS Identification materials to help staff recognize potential malicious Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), VBIED Identification card to help recognize potential indicators of a suspicious parked vehicle, and the Mass Gathering Security Planning Tool which gives planners a framework for building comprehensive, risk-informed event plans. These resources can help event organizers to better address and reduce risks.
Partners in Preparedness
CISA collaborates with local businesses and community leaders, federal agencies, international partners, and others to enhance the country’s preparedness and ability to respond to bomb threats. These partnerships support the nation’s ability to respond with resilience and adaptability, protecting communities and critical infrastructure alike. This collaboration has never been more important.
As we reflect on the importance of safety during this summer of celebration, we encourage venue organizers and everyone involved in planning for special events to take advantage of CISA’s array of no-cost resources and tools. Proactive planning, training, and awareness can mean the difference between preparedness and vulnerability.
Questions or requests like tailored support in planning for event security can be sent to CISA’s Office for Bombing Prevention directly at OBP@cisa.dhs.gov.