Toronto Van Attack Demonstrates Urgent Need for Darren Drake Combating 21st Century Weapons of Terror Act

Ten Dead and Fifteen Injured After Van Driver Plows Into Multiple Pedestrians

WASHINGTON — Today, in the wake of the heartbreaking Toronto van attack that left ten dead and fifteen injured, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) called for urgent measures to combat vehicular terrorism, like his Darren Drake Combating 21st Century Weapons of Terror Act. The Darren Drake Act would help thwart deadly lone-wolf, ISIS inspired attacks by requiring vehicle dealers and rental agencies to share critical information with federal law enforcement agencies to identify potential terrorist matches. The legislation, first announced in February, is named in memory of New Milford resident Darren Drake, a victim of the October 2017 New York City terrorist truck attack.

“America is praying with our neighbors to the North and the families of the ten dead as yet another lone-wolf terrorist strikes North America’s streets. As terrorists continue to use vans, pickup trucks, and other low-cost, high-impact, ‘21st century weapons of terror,’ our law enforcement must have the tools and authority they need to combat these growing threats,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “How many more tragedies like yesterday’s attack, or the attack that killed Darren Drake, must we endure before we decide to take action? America must act now to do everything we can to protect our children and families.”

On March 1st, Congressman Gottheimer was briefed by the FBI on the nation’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs) and a threat assessment of truck attacks, which have become prevalent across the globe. On March 22nd, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Vehicular Terrorism Prevention Act, legislation Gottheimer co-sponsored to require the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to present to Congress a report with recommendations on combating the threat of vehicular terrorism.

View a one-page summary of the Darren Drake Combating 21st Century Weapons of Terror Act HERE.

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