TerrorismBill targeting vehicular terror attacks
New legislation — “Shielding Public Spaces from Vehicular Terrorism Act” — instructs DHS to develop tools to address evolving terror tactics, including vehicular attacks. The bill also ensures that first responders can use vital Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Area Security Initiative funding to address security vulnerabilities of public spaces, such as bus stops, bike paths, and other mass gathering locations.
Congressman Dan Donovan (R-New York), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, introduced the Shielding Public Spaces from Vehicular Terrorism Act (H.R. 4627) to better protect the homeland and keep Americans safe. The legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to research and develop new tools and effective safeguards to combat emerging terrorist threats, including vehicular attacks.
The bill has three cosponsors: Reps. Donald Payne (D-New Jersey), Michael McCaul (R-Texas), and Peter King (R-New York).
During 2017, several instances of terror attacks involving vehicles used as deadly weapons by radicalized individuals or terror groups took place in the United States and around the world. Four people died after being hit by an SUV on the sidewalk along the Westminster Bridge in London on 22 March. At least thirteen people were killed and more than 100 were injured when a van plowed through a crowd in a Barcelona, Spain tourist district on 17 August. And on 31 October, eight people died and almost a dozen people were injured in Manhattan when a pickup truck driver mowed over them on a crowded bike path near the World Trade Center.
Congressman Donovan said, “Just [last] week, we were reminded of the heightened terror environment our nation faces when an ISIS inspired operative detonated a bomb in a New York City subway. Not only are these types of lone wolf attacks becoming all too common, but terrorists are increasingly turning everyday tools, such as vehicles, into weapons. Violent extremists will continue to try and undermine our way of life, and it’s necessary that we bolster our anti-terror capabilities. This legislation will help us do just that.”
The bill also ensures that first responders can use vital Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Area Security Initiative funding to address security vulnerabilities of public spaces, such as bus stops, bike paths, and other mass gathering locations.
The legislation was developed in response to the deadly October vehicle terror attack in Manhattan. Donovan that that incident, as well as other attacks across the globe, show that terrorists are increasingly using vehicles as weapons. Recent testimony from DHS Deputy Secretary Elaine Duke also highlighted the need to strengthen defenses against attacks using simple methods, including “guns, knives, vehicles, and other common items.”
Donovan recently joined Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-New York) to introduce the Stopping Threats on Pedestrians (STOP) Act (H.R. 4051), bipartisan legislation that provides funding to cities to install safety bollards in high pedestrian areas to prevent attacks. Additionally, the House passed three homeland security bills sponsored by Donovan, which bulk up the country’s protections against nuclear, transit, and cybersecurity threats.
