In a notable turn of events during a press conference for Super Bowl LVIII, Lisa Guerrero of Inside Edition brought up the controversial MAGA backlash against pop superstar Taylor Swift, raising concerns about potential security threats. Guerrero directed her inquiry to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, questioning whether there were any “credible threats” against Swift.
The backdrop for this inquiry was the heightened angst surrounding Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, leading to peculiar accusations that Swift, in collaboration with the National Football League (NFL), was involved in a plot to manipulate the Super Bowl outcome to favor President Joe Biden for a second term. The discourse had also seen various other attacks targeting the pop star.
Mayorkas, alongside other officials, convened at the press conference on a Wednesday to discuss safety and security measures for Super Bowl LVIII. Additionally, Mayorkas fielded questions about the failed impeachment vote against him.
When Lisa Guerrero posed the question about potential threats related to Taylor Swift, Mayorkas sought to reassure the public and address the concerns:
LISA GUERRERO: Thank you. My question is to Secretary Mayorkas. I’m Lisa Guerrero with Inside Edition.
Every single year the Super Bowl has enormous security. But this year, fans are really excited about Taylor Swift.
There has also been some very negative pushback against her visibility at football games. Have you seen any additional threats, any credible threats that are related to Taylor Swift?
SEC. ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS: We have we have not. I would defer also to my partners across the law enforcement spectrum. But I have to say that we are extraordinarily vigilant when we bring 65,000 people together in a stadium, when we have 330,000 people visiting a city for a major sporting event.
And when we have millions of people around the world watching it, our priorities, the safety and security of everyone in attendance, and that is what we are focused upon. And when there’s an additional celebrity who will bring more attention, we are already at a heightened state of vigilance and fulfilling our responsibility, just as we do every single day.
CATHY LANIER: Well said, sir.
Mayorkas emphasized the comprehensive security measures in place, especially considering the significant crowd size of 65,000 in the stadium and 330,000 visitors in the city. He reiterated their unwavering commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of everyone involved in the major sporting event. Mayorkas acknowledged that the presence of an additional celebrity, like Taylor Swift, naturally attracts more attention, leading them to maintain a heightened state of vigilance.
Cathy Lanier, acknowledging Mayorkas’s response, commented, “Well said, sir.” The exchange highlighted the challenges of balancing heightened security concerns, celebrity visibility, and the ongoing discourse surrounding Taylor Swift within the context of a major event like the Super Bowl.
