Security Measures that Address the Nuclear/Radiological Threat at Major Public Events

The U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) works to reduce global nuclear dangers by engaging countries and advancing capabilities to prevent, counter, and respond to nuclear and radiological proliferation and terrorism threats and incidents worldwide. Major Public Events (MPE) are attractive to terrorist groups because they have a political or symbolic importance and present an opportunity to inflict mass casualties. An attack with a radiological device – a so-called "dirty bomb" – would cause panic and disruption. An attack with a nuclear device or material would be catastrophic. Due to this threat, DOE/NNSA and the IAEA have provided nuclear security support for countries hosting MPEs since 2006. This support includes specialized training, detection technologies, technical and advisory support, and assistance with procedures to support national infrastructures to detect, and respond to criminal and unauthorized activities involving nuclear or radioactive materials out of regulatory control. (author)