Detroit police increasing security ahead of high stakes Lions-Vikings game
DETROIT (FOX 2) - The Motor City will be electrified on Sunday as the 14-2 Detroit Lions compete for the NFC North Division against the 14-2 Minnesota Vikings.
Meanwhile, after two deadly incidents across the country, one being a tragic attack in New Orleans that killed 15 and injured 33, Detroit police will be on high alert and will ramp up security.
"The covering of their mouth and you can’t see the plays. I will tell you, my federal partners have already said, Chief Bettison, you can not talk about what we’re doing." said Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison.
Bettison, during a press conference, discussed their plans to keep people safe while at Ford Field over the weekend. He was also joined by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. He says there are no active threats ahead of the home game against the Vikings, but the security posture in the city has been heightened.
"You will see visible signs of higher security and others you don’t see," said Duggan.
The recent focus on security comes after a truck drove into a New Year’s celebration full of people in New Orleans, as well as a Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas outside of Trump International Hotel.
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Homeland security, the FBI, Michigan State Police, and the Wayne County sheriff are teaming up to keep Lions and Vikings fans safe while watching the high-stakes matchup.
"When I say collaboration I picked up the phone and I called Sheriff Bouchard of Oakland County and I said, Sheriff, this event right here is so important and it's a regional thing. Can you send us some resources?"
According to Bettison additional sheriff's deputies from Oakland County and even Macomb County will be helping out during the game.
"I have air coverage, I even have marine coverage, I have land coverage. We’re rerouting some of our traffic patterns and that’s about all I’ll say," Bettison said.
Whoever comes out on top in Ford Field on Sunday will end the regular season 15-2, winning the number one seed for the NFC Championship.
Kickoff for Lions-Vikings is at 8:20 p.m. on Sunday.
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