TSA supports partners at Republican, Democratic National Conventions

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

TSA is focused on supporting our partners, especially where they need us most.

Nowhere was that more evident than in Milwaukee and Chicago - the hosts of the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.

TSA partnered with several federal government agencies to provide security for both conventions, which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declared national special security events (NSSE) - significant events with a potential to be a target for terrorism or other criminal activity.

TSA deployed frontline screening officers and canine teams to support screening operations at airports and convention sites in Milwaukee and Chicago, monitored unmanned aircraft systems at airport locations and stationed inspectors at various surface transportation venues.

"TSA personnel were integrated in security and law enforcement operations," said Wisconsin Assistant Federal Security Director-Law Enforcement Matthew O'Neill-Levine, who coordinated TSA's teams and worked with partner agencies and event organizers in Milwaukee. "We successfully supported airports, airspace, surface transportation and counterparts from a multitude of agencies who relayed how impressed they were with our professionalism and dedication."

In Chicago, Illinois Deputy Federal Security Director Brian Moses oversaw a similar group of TSA personnel who teamed up with federal, state and local partners.

TSA partners with other agencies at the multiagency communications center outside Milwaukee. (Warren Haines photo)

"The partnership across TSA enabled a strong and unified approach that seamlessly integrated into overall NSSE operations, and despite the multitude of operations, it always felt like one TSA," Moses assessed.

TSA's Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service (LE/FAMS), coordinated by Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge Robert Duerr, also conducted Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) operations to monitor security at airports and train stations in both cities.

"The proactive steps taken by the Chicago Field Office in its deployment strategy ensured that the full spectrum of LE/FAMS resources were brought to bear in support of these events," said Duerr. "Mobilizing the greatest amount of our personnel in this effort empowered our workforce and instilled a shared sense of consciousness."

LE/FAMS also provided security on flights through the Milwaukee and Chicago areas and partnered with TSA Security Operations to establish an around-the-clock presence at multiagency communications centers (MACCs) to facilitate security efforts.

"TSA personnel in the MACC ensure direct, in-person coordination during critical incidents," Assistant Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge Warren Haines explained. "A recent exercise prior to the conventions demonstrated the professionalism and preparedness across federal, state and local partners that make the MACC an impressive and important part of the NSSE framework."

During the Democratic National Convention (DNC), the LE/FAMS Chicago Field Office increased its presence in the Airport Operations Center at O'Hare International Airport, also the site of Illinois' TSA Coordination Center. That created another avenue for TSA to coordinate with the agency's partners and address the increased passenger volume through O'Hare and Chicago Midway International Airports before and after the DNC.

In addition, VIPR teams coordinated with TSA Surface Operations to increase force protection and added specialists from the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office to increase security.

VIPR FAMs in the main terminal at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. (Warren Haines photo)

"VIPR teams were well positioned to support our local transportation security partners and stakeholders in the aviation and surface environments," said Bengy Tanner, assistant supervisory air marshal in charge from the LE/FAMS Chicago Field Office. "The increased visible presence throughout Wisconsin and Illinois during these events demonstrated LE/FAMS' continued commitment to securing the nation's transportation systems."

Given the required extensive resources, TSA brought in extra manpower for both political conventions through the National Deployment Office (NDO) and LE/FAMS' Joint Coordination Center, which oversees VIPR operations.

"With additional support from the Denver, Minneapolis and Detroit Field Offices, VIPR personnel were able to mitigate risks throughout critical transportation modes near the primary convention-related venues," said Tanner.

Illinois Federal Security Director Jim Spriggs echoed that sentiment, saying, "The ability of our NDO officers to adapt to the environment and provide around-the-clock screening to multiple venues is an immeasurable asset and showcases TSA as an agile and effective security agency."

Earlier this year, LE/FAMS and the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) negotiated an agreement for additional Federal Air Marshal support throughout the 2024 presidential campaign season. The agreement included deputizing and training Federal Air Marshals to support USSS protection efforts and was in full effect during the conventions, with 63 FAMs providing support.

LE/FAMS also partnered with Amtrak to deploy uniformed FAMs on trains between Milwaukee and Chicago and deployed mobile detect, track and identify equipment. This equipment enabled personnel to coordinate the response to the unauthorized use of unmanned aircraft systems in real time and support any temporary flight restrictions near the convention sites.

TSA Inspector Jennifer Nazario monitors traffic at the Canadian National Bridgeport Rail Yard in Chicago. (Billy Felde photo)

Additionally, TSA Surface Operations Region 3 supported command and emergency response centers, monitoring possible cyber threats and hazardous materials along rail lines through Milwaukee and Chicago.

"Surface inspectors identified rail cars that contained hazmat in locations that posed an increased risk to convention participants," said Regional Security Director - Surface Fred Stein. "Surface personnel made sure to notify our law enforcement and emergency management partners. Relying on the good relationships built with the railroads, surface personnel were able to coordinate the voluntary movement of rail cars with hazmat to locations that posed less risk."

TSA field intelligence officers (FIOs) staffed the Intelligence Operations Center for both events, which not only supported TSA field operations but also the many participating federal, state and local agencies.

"Supporting a national special security event, like the national conventions, was a rewarding professional experience," proclaimed FIO Matthew Loppnow. "The FIOs provided real-time intelligence support to TSA field operations and fostered collaboration with partner agencies to ensure the safety of all who worked and attended the events."

So, as you can see, it was quite a mission.

"I was truly honored to work alongside so many professionals from other agencies as well as observe the incredible teamwork of multiple TSA entities working in sync to meet the needs of the operation," Wisconsin Assistant Federal Security Director-Screening Timothy Goodman said.

"It allowed us to partner and collaborate across a spectrum of federal, state and local entities that contributed to the success of these national special security events," added Wisconsin Federal Security Director Mark Lendvay. "Bravo!"

By Don Wagner, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs