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Vehicular Terrorism The Threat Behind The Wheel PDF
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Vehicular Terrorism
The Threat Behind the Wheel
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW other cities in Massachusetts, authorities trucks to stop truck-driving attackers like
went on a heightened state of vigilance. those in Germany and France.
Recent vehicular attacks in France and
Germany clearly highlighted the viability of The alert remains high and countermeasures Over 100 patrol cars were also used as
vehicle ramming as a legitimate terrorist are extended into the 2017 New Year. On blocking vehicles. To limit vehicular traffic,
tactic and one that should be a focus for law Dec. 28, 2016, the Nashir Media Foundation, extra public transit service was provided
enforcement, especially during special event a pro-Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant to and from the city until 2 a.m. New Year’s
planning. These attacks vividly demonstrate (ISIL) group, urged ISIL supporters “to carry Day. NJ Transit provided extra service to
how challenging it can be to stop a vehicular out attacks on targets such as markets and and from New York City from New Year’s
attack once it has been launched. The hospitals in Europe over the Christmas Eve until 6 a.m. New Year’s Day, along with
attacks also signal a new strategy in Islamic holiday period and urged Muslims to stay extra evening and late night bus routes in
terrorism that uses small cyber-connected away from Christian celebrations.” and out of Port Authority Bus Terminal.
cells of radicalized Muslim militants.
In a message posted online to “Islamist Similar countermeasures for the New Year’s
The sudden increase of this activity ‘lone wolves’ in Europe,” the Foundation Day Rose Parade in Pasadena, California
leading up the 2016 Christmas holidays said, “Their celebrations, gatherings, clubs, followed the increased alert.These included
resulted in significant countermeasures by markets, theaters, cinemas, malls and barricades, water-filled barriers at some
law enforcement and security personnel even their hospitals are all perfect targets streets, security checkpoints and clandestine
throughout the United States. In New for you.” Although not specifically citing measures designed to stop terrorists from
York City, police dispatched heavily armed vehicular attacks, the message was clear… crashing cars into crowded areas.
counterterrorism officers to stand guard Attack by all means possible.
at crowded pop-up Christmas markets in Continuing and increasing countermeasures
Union Square, Bryant Park and Columbus However, New Year terror threats came are planned between Friday, Jan. 20, and
Circle only an hour after news of the shortly after ISIL promised to bomb Monday, Jan. 23 to and from Washington,
attack in Berlin. Other cities followed with Christians and their churches in the DC, for the Presidential Inauguration. These
similar tactics. United States, Canada, France and the preparations cover not only the ceremony
Netherlands, stating, “We will make your at the National Capitol, but also the many
In Chicago, police parked their vehicles New Year mayhem with bombings and Inaugural Events within the District of
diagonally at the corners of Daley Plaza to trampling attacks.” Columbia during the celebration.
block any vehicular access to a Christmas
market being held there. In San Francisco, Countermeasures by law enforcement for A vehicular attack is easy for anyone to
motorcycle and mounted horse units New Year’s Eve in New York City included launch with little or no planning. Active
patrolled high-traffic shopping areas. In Los extra security being added not just in New shooter tactics target crowds who are
Angeles, law enforcement placed rows of York City, but New Jersey as well.There were contained, vehicle ramming tactics are not
two to three cars or other large equipment extra security checkpoints across the Times hampered by this requirement. Crowds
in front of large event entrances, which Square area. Over 7,000 police officers of people are ubiquitous in every city in
included two massive parades in West patrolled the area, and the NYC sanitation America, regardless of holidays, special
Hollywood this year. In Boston, at the scene department blocked strategic intersections events or general workdays, and security
of the marathon bombing and throughout with 65 large garbage collection and sand personnel and law enforcement must be