Gottheimer Announces Darren Drake Combatting 21St Century Weapons of Terror Act, Jimmy Drake as State of the Union Guest

Press Release

Today, Congressman Josh Gottheimer announced that he plans to introduce the Darren Drake Combatting 21st Century Weapons of Terror Act.

The legislation, named in memory of New Milford resident Darren Drake, a victim of the October, 2017 New York City terrorist truck attack, will help law enforcement thwart deadly lone-wolf, ISIS inspired attacks by requiring vehicle dealers and rental agencies to share critical information with the FBI and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) to identify potential terrorist matches. In 2017, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness' Threat Assessment put homegrown violent extremists as the single-highest threat to our state -- a state that lost so many innocent lives in 9/11.

Rep. Gottheimer also announced that he will be bringing Jimmy Drake, father of the late Darren Drake, as his guest to the State of the Union address. In the aftermath of the tragic attack in Lower Manhattan, Jimmy Drake and Rep. Gottheimer worked together to find ways to prevent future tragedies.

Under the Darren Drake Act, if a terrorist rents a van or pick-up truck, the rental company will immediately alert federal counterterrorism agencies, providing them with his or her name, home address, driver's license number, and the registration, make, model and license plate of the vehicle they plan to use. This plan is similar to Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) checks on passenger information against the "No Fly List."

On October 31st, 2017, an, ISIS-inspired, lone wolf terrorist drove a rented pickup truck along the Hudson River Park's bike path in New York, killing eight people, including Darren Drake, 32, of New Milford, New Jersey.

Jimmy Drake joined Rep. Gottheimer for today's announcement and hailed the new bipartisan legislation.

"Today, I am proud to be joined by Jimmy Drake, to remember the memory of his extraordinary son and a treasured member of our community, Darren Drake. Darren's life was tragically cut short by a hate-filled terrorist, who like many attackers, was too easily able to acquire and weaponize a truck to wreak havoc on innocent civilians. That is why I will be introducing the Darren Drake Act.. As terrorists continue to use vans, cars, pick-up trucks, and other low cost, high impact, "21st century weapons of terror," our law enforcement must have the tools and authorities they need to combat these growing threats. Today, we are here to protect our communities and help our law enforcement in the fight against lone wolf, ISIS-inspired terrorism," said Rep. Gottheimer.

Continued Gottheimer: "I couldn't be more honored to have Mr. Drake as my guest for the State of the Union address. In the face of unspeakable tragedy, Jimmy has carried himself with dignity, bravery, and class. All of us have read countless stories about how honest, kind, and talented Darren was. I wish that I could have had the honor to meet him. Our community, and the entire State of New Jersey will always remember Darren as our own. Thank you Jimmy for having the bravery to stand up for your country and your community. Rest assured, Darren's death will not be in vain."

To view a one-page summary of the Darren Drake Combatting 21st Century Weapons of Terror Act, click here.

Source