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Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
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Securing Public Gatherings

Connect with local authorities, develop incident response plans, train staff, and report concerns to emergency authorities to mitigate security risks.

Physical Security

  • Active Shooter Preparedness
  • Bombing Prevention
  • Insider Threat Mitigation
  • Non-Confrontational Techniques
  • Protecting Houses of Worship
  • School Safety
  • Securing Public Gatherings
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems
  • Vehicle Ramming Mitigation

Overview

Public gatherings are increasingly vulnerable to violent attacks and criminal activity because of their relative accessibility and large number of potential targets. While remaining vigilant in the deterrence of traditional targets (i.e., national assets such as the electric grid and national supply chain) and high-profile events (i.e., Super Bowl and Presidential Inauguration), it’s equally important to focus on securing public gatherings.

Public gatherings, also referred to as mass gatherings, are places where people gather freely together in a particular location for a specific purpose and are often associated with large crowds. These include places like music festivals, sporting events, places of worship, restaurants, and shopping centers.

These locations are easily accessible and often have minimal security, increasing their vulnerability to a variety of security risks. Given the threats towards, and incidents against, public gathering locations or events, it is important to understand the potential operational impacts from a successful attack, as well as the corresponding protective measures that can be taken to enhance their security. By connecting with local authorities, developing plans to identify issues and support incident response, training staff and volunteers, and reporting concerns to emergency authorities, many incidents may be mitigated or avoided.

CISA’s Role  

CISA fosters collaboration between the private and public sectors to mitigate risk and enhance the security and resilience of public gatherings, reducing the likelihood of a successful attack or, for those incidents that do occur, limiting the impacts to life and property. To help organizations mitigate potential risks in today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving threat environment, CISA provides a compendium of resources for securing public gatherings.

Mass Gathering Security Planning Tool

This tool provides event planners with a framework to begin or continue planning efforts for a mass gathering or special event and to connect stakeholders to the suite of tools and resources provided by CISA and its partners.

Learn More About the Tool

Mass Gathering Security Planning Tool

Download the Zip Files (.zip, 880.7 KB)

Mass Gathering Security Planning Tool User Guide

Download File (.pdf, 219.2 KB)

Mass Gathering Security Planning Tool Fact Sheet

Download File (.pdf, 260 KB)

Learn More About the Tool

Resources

Explore action guides that provide the critical infrastructure community with information regarding attack vectors used by terrorists and other extremist actors as well as corresponding suggested protective measures.

Active Assailant Security Resources

Mass Gatherings Action Guide

PUBLICATION
This action guide identifies how businesses can prepare for and mitigate future attacks, including recommended protective measures and actions to consider.
Download File (PDF, 528.29 KB)

Mass Gatherings: Take Charge of Your Personal Safety

JUN 19, 2018 | PUBLICATION
The Mass Gatherings: Take Charge of Your Personal Safety document increases the general public’s understanding of the immediate actions that can be taken during an incident to mitigate its impact.
Download File (PDF, 491.59 KB)
Active Assailant Security Resources

Resources by Audience

Schools

Discover how CISA collaborates with other agencies to support K-12 schools and districts in their efforts to improve school safety and security. 

Houses of Worship

Learn more about the wide range of man-made threats (e.g., bombing, active shooter, vehicle ramming, etc.) that could be used against the FBO-HOW community.

Contact Us

For more information, please email central@cisa.dhs.gov.

In case of an emergency, or to report suspicious activity or events, call 9-1-1 or contact local law enforcement.

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