Indianapolis, IN – From May 23 to 26, Assistant Secretary Mary Ellen Callahan of the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) visited Indianapolis Motor Speedway to review safety and security measures for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500. The Indy 500 is the largest single-day sporting event globally, with an estimated daily attendance of up to 350,000 people. Indianapolis has been a critical and longstanding CWMD operational partner. The preparations and operations for the Indy 500 exemplify collaboration across federal, state, and local agencies to safeguard the nation from foreign and domestic threats.
CWMD’s Mobile Detection Deployment Program (MDDP) provided additional support to enhance the capabilities of Indiana law enforcement and public safety agencies. MDDP is equipped with extensive tools designed to detect harmful Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) agents before or during special events. The MDDP team collaborated with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to integrate CBRN detection equipment into their enhanced steady-state surge operations for the race events. CWMD leadership met with state, local, and federal agencies to discuss CBRN and other protective measures in place for the race.
CWMD serves as the Department of Homeland Security's focal point for countering weapons of mass destruction efforts. By supporting operational partners across federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial levels, CWMD coordinates DHS efforts to protect the United States against CBRN threats.
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