The decision came after Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson received the latest information from Seattle police and the FBI.
SEATTLE — Security cameras in Seattle’s stadium area will be active during games fifa world cup tournamentMayor Katie Wilson announced Friday.
Seattle police and the FBI made the decision to activate the cameras based on the latest information on “the current global and local threat environment.”
“The breadth and depth of intelligence gathered at the briefing identified a widespread but credible threat to safety and security during the Games,” Wilson wrote in part in a statement. “While an incident of this magnitude is not surprising, this information convinced our law enforcement, emergency management and FIFA security partners that we should operate at a higher risk level.”
March, Wilson Announces pause on city’s expanded surveillance program. The exception is the Stadium District, where cameras are still installed but not activated until the city “becomes aware of a credible threat that warrants such action.”
Wilson said that while the cameras will be active, the city will continue to adjust “policies and safeguards to protect the data captured by these videos.”
Supporters of the cameras argue they can curb gun violence, combat human trafficking and support public safety. Opponents, including the American Civil Liberties Union, argue that CCTV cameras do not improve security and instead infringe on people’s privacy and civil liberties.
Seattle City Councilman Bob Keitel expressed gratitude for Wilson’s decision on Friday, calling it a “difficult decision” and “an important one to ensure we are prepared for public safety ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.”
Councilman Rob Saka also applauded the decision.
“As a runner in the 2013 Boston Marathon, I know firsthand that when hosting major events like FIFA, we need to utilize all of our public safety tools,” he said in a prepared statement. “I hope we can now pivot to focus on celebrating these wonderful football events while keeping everyone safe.”
The competition will be held locally from June 11 to July 19, with 750,000 people expected to visit Seattle.
Seattle’s six World Cup games are scheduled as follows:
- June 15: Belgium vs Egypt
- June 19: USA vs Australia
- June 24: Qatar vs. TBD
- June 26: Egypt vs. Iran
- July 1: Top 32
- July 6: Round of 16
