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FBI official describes role in keeping Kentucky Derby safe
Summary
Nathan, assistant special agent in charge with FBI Louisville, said the FBI and its federal, state and local partners work behind the scenes to ensure the safety of the Kentucky Derby and its attendees; he noted he has covered the event eight times.
Nathan, assistant special agent in charge with FBI Louisville, described the bureau's behind-the-scenes role in securing the Kentucky Derby and said interagency partners share responsibility for public safety.
"I've covered the Kentucky Derby 8 times while I've been assigned to FBI Louisville," Nathan said, using that experience to frame the bureau's approach. He called the Derby an event that "opens the city of Louisville and the state of Kentucky to the world," and said its high profile requires careful planning.
"It is the responsibility of our federal, state, and local partners along with the FBI to ensure those events are done safely," Nathan said, emphasizing coordination across agencies. He added that much of the work is not visible to the public: "The public many times do not see what happens behind the scenes to allow special events to happen in these venues and in these locations. And that's the way it should be."
Nathan described attending the Derby as "a pleasure and a privilege and enormous responsibility," and said the aim is to enable patrons and guests to enjoy the event while public-safety professionals manage risks through collaborative, discreet operations. He closed by framing the FBI's role in community terms: "I'm Nathan, and I'm a part of your FBI."
No formal policy changes or new initiatives were announced during the remarks.
