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With World Cup on the way, NJ rep says state needs millions for security
By
Sasha Linden Cohen
Published Nov 26, 2024
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By
Sasha Linden Cohen
Published Nov 26, 2024
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New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer says he’s asking Congress for tens of millions of dollars in security funding to protect the state as it prepares for an influx of about 1 million people for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – warning that a massive, chaotic brawl during this summer’s Copa América semifinals in Miami drives home the need to take preparations seriously.
The Democratic congressmember’s letter to the House and Senate appropriations committees this week pushes the case for funding that Gottheimer, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, previously said he’d seek through legislation he would sponsor. He’s looking for $625 million for security and related concerns at the 16 cities hosting World Cup games — including $65 million for New Jersey, where eight games and the final will be played at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford.
“Our security is not a ball we kick down the field until it’s too late,” Gottheimer said at a press gathering Tuesday, joined by New Jersey State Police officials and representatives of several towns in Bergen County. “We have to be vigilant, we have to make sure that law enforcement at every level has the tools that they need.”
He said that means funding for bomb detection, tactical response teams, police escorts, road closures, transit safety and other measures. The federal funding would also subsidize local transit improvements and wages for local police.
He’s also asking the Department of Homeland Security to classify all eight games at Metlife — not just the World Cup final – as Level 1 Special Event Assessment Rating events. The rating system has been applied to events including the Super Bowl and Kentucky Derby. A Level 1 rating requires “extensive federal interagency support,” according to the homeland security department. Gottheimer said it would streamline communication between state, local and federal governments and open the door to additional funding.
Gottheimer said the state has already spent about $40 million to prepare MetLife stadium, but that costs are only mounting.
Many users of the state’s NJ Transit system have expressed skepticism that it can handle an event of the World Cup’s magnitude, remembering how it infamously bungled preparations for the Super Bowl a decade ago. Gov. Phil Murphy has said he’s encouraged by fundraising for logistical support, and that he’s confident the World Cup in New Jersey will be safe.
Officials in cities hosting World Cup games have described the brawl at the Copa América semifinals as a cautionary tale and emphasized the need for proper security precautions. At the Miami tournament, the crowd descended into mayhem, according to multiple reports at the time. People stampeded the stadium entrances, others climbed the stadium fence and some got into physical altercations. Police arrested 27 people, and ejected 53, according to the Associated Press. At least one woman was seriously injured.
Gottheimer recently announced his bid for New Jersey governor, joining a crowded Democratic primary.
Tagged
public safety
new jersey
transportation
sports
Sasha Linden Cohen
Sasha is an intern at the Brian Lehrer Show.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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