Today's Video Headlines: 05/07/26
The man who ran security at 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and the 1996 Atlanta Games — where a bomber killed two and wounded more than 100 — warns that Iranian “sleeper cells” are likely plotting attacks during next month’s World Cup , as federal officials race to secure the 39-day competition.
“I’m fairly confident there are Iranian sleeper cells or surrogate sleeper cells, and this would be an incredible opportunity for sleeper cells to attack,” Former LAPD Deputy Chief Bill Rathburn told The Post. MetLife Stadium will be the site of 8 World Cup games and could be a potential target for Iran-backed sleeper cells, according to security expert Bill Rathburn.
Chris Swecker, who ran security for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, held in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, also pointed to Middle East turmoil as a concerning threat factor.
“There’s an animation around the sport to begin with,” said Swecker, who served as assistant director of the FBI. “You’ve got the presence of foes coming to the World Cup from different parts of the world. It’s not like it can escape the radar of terrorist organizations. It’s right there front and center.
”'Looksmaxxing' influencer caught with sick cache of child porn by girlfriend: cops Stranger assaulted by maniac weeks before he pushed retired NYC teacher to death in subway recounts frightening attack He cited the threat from “card-carrying terrorist cells, as well as the influence those that have been radicalized on the Internet. ”Iranian sleeper cells would be at the “top of the list,” Swecker said, and mentioned those backed by Hamas and Hezbollah — “but also Al Qaeda . .
. all the different iterations of ISIS. I mean, all of them. And then there’s nut cases that sort of loosely align themselves with one or more of these terrorist organizations and the causes they espouse. And they’re out there.
And all they need to do is add water and they’re activated. ”“You have to have the best intelligence that you could put in place,” Rathburn said. The Secret Service is the lead agency of designated National Special Security Events like the World Cup, but the agency has been faulted for security breaches. The aftermath of the terror attack at Centennial Park in Atlanta during the Olympics which injured 200 people and killed two.
US officials are cognizant of the threat to the event and its 11 host cities. The constant imperative of securing high-profile events was brought home after a shooter allegedly tried to kill President Trump and top cabinet officials at the White House Correspondents Dinner last month. The World Cup poses a unique challenge. Forty-eight teams are competing in three countries — the US, Canada and Mexico — over a period of 39 days.
The first US match, against Panama in Los Angeles, is set for June 12. The US will host 78 of the tournament’s 104 matches from June through July — including eight at MetLife, culminating with the final there on July 19. Congress passed and Trump signed into law $625 million to secure the event, including funds for police overtime at “fan fests” that will beam video of the matches to gatherings around the country.
The feds have drawn on $250 million in funding to have the FBI train local authorities in how to combat potential drone swarms. And the Transportation Department is distributing $100 million in funds to secure passage to the events, where even Trump, a billionaire, has complained about sky-high ticket prices. The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California during the 1994 World Cup final; this years final will be held at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
New York and New Jersey are throwing resources at World Cup security — $17.2 million in counter-drone technology, 175 new subway cops, and a ban on other large summer events to free up NYPD resources.
“The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to eleven host cities across America,” said White House spokesman Davis Ingle. “President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but the also the safest and most secure in history.
”Couple with 34-year age gap sparks anger over ‘strict’ relationship rulesBillie Eilish sparks firestorm for ‘very privileged’ take on meat eaters who love animalsMetLife Stadium will be the site of 8 World Cup games and could be a potential target for Iran-backed sleeper cells, according to security expert Bill Rathburn. Bill Rathburn oversaw security at the 1994 World Cup in LA and the 1996The aftermath of the terror attack at Centennial Park in Atlanta during the Olympics which injured 200 people and killed two.
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California during the 1994 World Cup final; this years final will be held at MetLife Stadium on July 19. Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ on Netflix, a Warm, Light Dramedy About Sally Field and Her Octopus Bestie
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