Gottheimer Honors Memory of New Milford Resident, Darren Drake, at Annual Walk

Stresses Importance of Fight Against Lone-Wolf ISIS-Inspired Terror

NEW MILFORD, NJ – Today, Saturday, September 14, 2019, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) took part in the Annual Walk to honor New Milford resident Darren Drake, who tragically lost his life in the 2017 ISIS-inspired terrorist bike path attack in New York City.

Gottheimer has worked with the Drake family on legislation which will help thwart terrorist vehicle attacks by strengthening the information collected by vehicle dealers and rental agencies, and improving suspicious activity reporting to help law enforcement identify potential threats. Similar to the no-fly list, terrorists shouldn’t be able to rent a car or truck to attack our citizens.

“Darren was a hard worker, an avid learner, but he’ll be remembered most for his kindness towards others — as a supportive friend, a caring son, and a tireless advocate. When Darren served as the President of the New Milford Board of Education, he saw that there weren’t enough resources to support students pursuing careers in skilled labor. Always one to step forward when he saw an opportunity to help, Darren became an advocate for increasing support for students pursuing vocational careers,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I’m honored to be here at the annual walk today and I’m proud to be working with Jimmy and Barbara Drake to make sure a tragedy like this doesn’t happen again.  We must double down on our fight against homegrown terror, particularly lone-wolf, ISIS-inspired terror.”