A CNN employee found copies of DHS plans detailing the response to a simulated anthrax attack on Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis in the seat-back pocket of a commercial plane. Also found were a travel itinerary and a boarding pass of the government scientist in charge of BioWatch, the DHS program that conducted the anthrax drills ahead of yesterday’s main event.
The documents were marked “For Official Use Only” and “important for national security.”
The news agency decided to withhold publication of the story until after the Super Bowl, citing security concerns voiced by government officials. A DHS official told CNN that the agency had “great confidence” in its preparation for the game, despite the mishap.
A DHS official said the misplaced documents were subject to “operational review” and didn’t have any further comment as the incident is “pending personnel action.”