Wow. This is a great story -- very detailed and well researched. And the on-the-ground photos are amazing. I'm wondering why, with only three Super Bowls being labeled as National Special Security Events, this was one of them? What a shame if it was labeled a National Special Security Event just because people might kneel during the anthem. :(
And you had a really good point about "normalizing" the militarization of the police, with people taking selfies with militarized cops and such. I hadn't thought about that angle, but it's very likely part of what's going on. Interesting take. Thank you for this story.
that's a great question. i was wondering that, too, but didn't really stumble across much besides numerous people repeating that it's a national security event. folks taking photos of themselves with the vehicles and the folks all dolled up in gear was happening constantly. i even stopped to take a few photos for people. ha!
Ha! That's funny that you were asked to take photos for them. How ironic! :D