CISA, partners execute Indianapolis 500 safety exercise

Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) personnel and partners are espousing the benefits of a recently executed tabletop exercise designed to bolster Indianapolis 500 race safety.

CISA joined Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials, state and local first responders, law enforcement entities, and local businesses in the endeavor, testing response plans via hypothetical public safety incidents on race day, scheduled for Sunday, May 30.

“The Indianapolis 500 is a marquee global sporting event, and keeping everyone safe is the top priority of all stakeholders who contribute to a successful Race Day,” CISA Deputy Executive Assistant Director Steve Harris said. “CISA looks forward to continuing to work with our partners throughout the region to do our part to ensure the race is safe and secure.”

The work involved discussing roles, sharing best practices, and improving coordination mechanisms to help keep the public safe, in conjunction with ongoing public safety efforts while not responding to any specific threat.

CISA noted the agency works with sports leagues, teams, stadiums and arenas, and other large venues nationwide to develop and exercise response plans for potential threats, adding it participates in approximately 30 exercises a year and has staff strategically located throughout the country to advise businesses, schools, and other organizations of all sizes on ways to enhance their security and resilience.