Pittsburgh, PA. At approximately 9:40 a.m., just over three hours before kickoff, a dangerous incident unfolded outside Acrisure Stadium as police arrested a Cincinnati Bengals fan who allegedly issued an armed threat toward Pittsburgh Steelers supporters gathering for early tailgates ahead of Sunday’s

1:00 p.m. ET matchup.

Authorities identified the suspect as Derrick Vaughn, 29, of Cincinnati, Ohio. He now faces charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, unlawful possession of a firearm,

and disorderly conduct after a confrontation in Parking Lot C escalated dramatically.

Witnesses told investigators that Vaughn — wearing a Bengals jersey and waving a team flag — got into a loud argument with a small group of Steelers fans during pregame festivities. The altercation intensified when he allegedly brandished a handgun from his waistband and shouted threats, prompting nearby fans to flee and contact security.

Stadium security acted quickly, detaining the suspect within minutes before Pittsburgh Police arrived. Officers recovered a loaded 9mm handgun and two spare magazines from Vaughn’s backpack.

No shots were fired, and no injuries were reported.

Police briefly locked down parts of the nearby parking areas to review surveillance footage and gather witness statements. The perimeter was cleared and reopened shortly afterward, allowing fans to continue entering the stadium.

A Pittsburgh Police spokesperson praised the swift, coordinated response:
“Thanks to immediate action from Acrisure Stadium security and our officers, a potentially tragic situation was stopped before anyone was harmed.”

Security protocols for the Steelers–Bengals game were heightened following the arrest, including reinforced metal detector screenings, additional bag checks, and increased law-enforcement presence around the venue entrances.

Despite the alarming pregame incident, the AFC North showdown remained on schedule for a

1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Still, the morning arrest cast a serious tone over the rivalry atmosphere — a reminder that passion for the game must never escalate into violence.