Preventing the Next Boston Bombing:

Securing the Homeland Ahead of Mass Gatherings

I will never forget leading the Congressional investigation into the Boston Marathon Bombing during my first term as chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.

One of the worst parts was that it could have been prevented. My investigation revealed the FBI had received a tip about the suspect before the bombing, but they failed to share that information with state and local law enforcement. Because of that failure, no one connected the dots, and a terrorist succeeded in killing three and wounding more than 260 innocent runners and spectators.

As the U.S. prepares to host several high-profile, mass-spectator events like the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, and the many celebrations planned for our nation’s 250th birthday, we must work to prevent another terrorism incident like the Boston Bombing. To that end, I’m proud to be serving as chairman of the Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events, which will conduct oversight of the government’s security preparations to ensure Americans — and millions of international guests — can safely enjoy their experience at these events. 

This week, we held our inaugural hearing, which focused on assessing past security incidents, examining the unique challenges inherent to mass gatherings, and highlighting best practices for securing upcoming events. Click below to watch my opening remarks at the hearing, entitled, "Lessons Learned: An examination of historic security incidents at mass gatherings.”

To best understand where we need to improve, we brought in Former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves, Colonel Hodges of the New Orleans Police Department, and Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosey Cordero-Stutz to describe their experiences dealing with security incidents and how they believe the federal government can best support local law enforcement ahead of mass gatherings.

I was especially grateful to speak with Commissioner Davis, who testified before my committee 12 years ago in the aftermath of the Boston Bombing. This week, he and I discussed how information-sharing tactics between federal, state, and local entities have improved since that dreaded day, and what more can be done.

I also discussed with the witnesses how we can best counter the growing threat posed by drones. Over the last few years, these easily accessible devices have become weaponized both at home and abroad. In 2023 alone, the NFL reported 2,800 drone incursions, a whopping 4,000% increase from five years prior. The witnesses’ testimonies made clear that we must reauthorize the federal authority to disrupt and disable malicious drones and empower state and local agencies to act faster to defend their communities. 

You can watch my full discussion with the witnesses below.

Important work lies ahead. The world will be watching our events live, but those who wish to do us harm could already be planning.

Thanks to this task force and other efforts taking place within the Trump administration, the United States will not be caught off guard. We will meet any threat with the full strength and resolve of a nation united — and prepared — so that what happened at the Boston Marathon does not happen again.

Click below to read the op-ed I penned in The Washington Times on “Preventing Another Boston Marathon Bombing."

Washington, D.C.

2300 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Phone: 202-225-2401

Fax: 202-225-5955

Austin

11614 FM 2244

Suite 160

Austin, TX 78738

Fax: 512-473-0514

College Station

175 Century Square Drive

Suite 210

College Station, TX 77840

Phone: (979) 431-6480

Fax: (979) 431-5180