San Francisco Arrest Suspect After Discovering Explosive Device at Levi’s Stadium - Believed to Be Seahawks Fan

Santa Clara, Ca. — September 20, 2025. San Francisco Police arrested a 34-year-old suspect this morning after he was caught attempting to plant a homemade explosive device in the seating area of Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers. The incident occurred one day before the 49ers’ Week 3 NFL matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, prompting heightened security measures at the stadium.

According to sources from the San Francisco Police Department, the suspect, identified as James Harlan, a Seattle resident with a history of arrests for theft and disorderly conduct, is suspected to be an avid Seattle Seahawks fan after authorities discovered a photo of him wearing a Seahawks jersey in his wallet. Harlan posed as a janitorial worker, wearing a counterfeit uniform and using a 3D-printed employee badge to gain access through a service entrance around 5 a.m. He targeted Section 121—a popular area among dedicated 49ers fans—and attempted to place the device under a seat.

The plan unraveled when stadium security guard Marcus Reilly noticed Harlan’s suspicious behavior. “He was moving too quickly and didn’t seem familiar with standard cleaning protocols. When I approached to check his credentials, he panicked and tried to flee,” Reilly told reporters at the scene. Reilly triggered an emergency alert, leading to a swift response from stadium security and police, who apprehended Harlan within two minutes without any injuries.

The device was identified as a homemade pipe bomb containing approximately 500 grams of explosive material, connected to a basic timer and capable of remote activation via a mobile phone. San Francisco Police bomb technicians safely neutralized the device on-site, with no detonation or leakage reported. Harlan faces serious charges, including attempted terrorism, illegal possession of an explosive device, and unauthorized entry. He is currently detained at Santa Clara County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

The incident sent shockwaves through the 49ers’ community, especially given its timing before a critical divisional game against the Cardinals. A spokesperson for the San Francisco 49ers issued a statement: “We are immensely grateful for the vigilance of our security team and law enforcement. Fan safety is our top priority. Tomorrow’s game will proceed as planned with enhanced security measures.” Stadium officials confirmed that all 68,500 seats will be thoroughly inspected to ensure safety before kickoff.

Police believe Harlan may have acted alone, but they are investigating a possible motive tied to fan rivalry, particularly given the heated history between the Seahawks and 49ers as NFC West rivals, with notable clashes in recent seasons. Harlan was reportedly banned from Lumen Field in Seattle last year after a disruptive incident. “This is a reminder that security at sporting events must remain at the highest level,” said Captain Sarah Jenkins of the San Francisco Police Department during an afternoon press conference.

The incident has raised broader concerns about stadium security across the NFL, particularly following similar incidents at other venues. Federal agencies, including the FBI, have been notified and are assisting with the investigation. Fans are urged to report any suspicious activity through the stadium’s hotline.

The 49ers vs. Cardinals game is set to kick off at 1 p.m. tomorrow, with hopes that the incident will not dampen fan enthusiasm. Further updates will be provided as new information emerges.