Snipers Spotted During Ulsan HD vs Dortmund Match as US Vice President Vance Attends Amid Heightened Security

Vice President Vance, Hailing from Ohio Where the Match Was Held
An Unusual Move Given the Current Situation in the United States

The FIFA Club World Cup group stage match between Ulsan HD and Dortmund attracted attention for its heightened security, including the deployment of snipers. On June 26 (Korean time), foreign media outlets such as the UK’s Daily Mail reported that three snipers were positioned on the stadium roof while US Vice President JD Vance attended the match. This measure was reportedly implemented in response to heightened anti-terror alerts in the United States, amid concerns about the possible activities of Iranian “sleeper cells.”

Vice President Pence watched the match between Ulsan and Dortmund from the VIP seats at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, his hometown. Photo by AFP and Yonhap News

Vice President Vance watched the match between Ulsan and Dortmund from the VIP seats at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, his hometown. Dortmund secured a 1-0 victory with a winning goal from Daniel Svensson, while Ulsan was eliminated after losing all three group stage matches. Although the number of spectators was not large, local cameras captured three Secret Service snipers on the stadium roof, each armed and standing guard. This was reported as a security measure to ensure the safety of Vice President Vance and his family.

Amid growing terror threats linked to Iran within the United States, some observers found it unexpected that Vice President Vance and his family appeared at a public event. In particular, Vice President Vance is considered one of the most loyal core members among President Trump’s close associates. When President Trump was first elected in 2016, Vice President Vance harshly criticized him, even calling him “America’s Hitler.” However, immediately after announcing his candidacy for the Senate in 2022, Vance completely reversed his stance, stating, “Trump was a good president.” Afterward, Vice President Vance received Trump’s endorsement, saw his approval ratings surge, and was ultimately elected to the Senate.

Three snipers from the Secret Service positioned on the stadium roof were each seen holding weapons and standing guard, captured by local cameras. Photo by AFP and Yonhap News

Meanwhile, tensions have been rising in the United States as airstrikes and missile exchanges between Iran and Israel have continued for over ten days. US President Donald Trump ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities last weekend, and on Monday claimed, “Both Israel and Iran contacted me almost simultaneously to request a halt to the missile strikes.”