NJ Terror-Attack Warning: Feds Warn Of Possible Vehicle-Ramming

New Jersey drivers must be "vigilant" and be aware that terrorists could be targeting citizens with "vehicle ramming," U.S. security officials say.

A report released by the Transportation Security Administration last week said terrorists could use the form of attack by slamming other motor vehicles and "striking with concussive force."

The six-page report focuses on the current threat and points out that, from 2014 to date, terrorists carried out 17 known vehicle ramming attacks worldwide, resulting in 173 fatalities and 667 injuries.

In a statement, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness echoed the federal report, saying terrorists could use vehicles in New Jersey as weapons based on "foreign terrorist organizations promoting this tactic, the success of past attacks, and the ease of vehicle acquisition."

No such incidents have happened in New Jersey. But Lisa Farbstein, a spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration who covers the state, said the threat to New Jersey is real and isn't confined to highways.

"No community, large or small, rural or urban, is immune to attacks of this kind by organized or lone wolf terrorists," Farbstein said. "TSA recommends that the trucking and bus industries take an active role in protecting their businesses and communities from this potential threat."

New Jersey is one of the most heavily truck-traveled states in the nation, drawing more than 30 million trucks on the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway and other roadways each year. More than 200 million vehicles travel on New Jersey's roadways every year, according to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.

Last week, the TSA shared the report to the trucking and bus industry, noting the low-tech form of attack that has been used by terrorists who deliberately aim a motor vehicle at a target with the intent to inflict fatal injuries or significant property damage.

"TSA recommends vigilance and preparedness to prevent the use of commercial vehicles in terrorist attacks as these low-tech methods of attack are becoming more commonplace around the globe," Farbstein said.

The guidance, entitled “Vehicle Ramming Attacks: Threat Landscape, Indicators and Countermeasures,” was shared with truck and bus companies and trade associations as well as to the school bus industry and highway and infrastructure specialists.

NJOHSP’s resource sheet provides information for large outdoor events. Additionally, the office’s Hometown Security Initiative trains and educates facility owners and operators on protective security measures and how to report suspicious activity.

An NJOHSP review of vehicle-ramming attacks in the West over the last 10 years shows increases in this tactic and resulting casualties.

• In the November 2016 edition of its English-language magazine, Rumiyah, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria encouraged followers to use vehicles in operations, stating, “Vehicles are like knives, as they are extremely easy to acquire [and] . . . arouse absolutely no doubts due to their widespread use throughout the world.” Additionally, alQa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula has referred to trucks as the “ultimate mowing machine.”
• Last year, extremists successfully executed two vehicle-ramming attacks in Europe. In December, Anis Amri drove a hijacked truck into a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 and injuring 56, and in July, Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel attacked a Bastille Day celebration with a 20-ton cargo truck in Nice, France, killing 86 people and injuring 434.
• In November 2016, Abdul Artan drove his car into pedestrians and stabbed several people on Ohio State University’s campus. According to Artan’s family, he displayed no suspicious behavior before carrying out the attack and purchased a knife that same morning.

The U.S. report also shares indicators that may suggest terrorists are planning a vehicle-ramming attack and lists countermeasures that can be taken with a focus on meaningful security awareness

Those include:

• Unusual and unexplained modifications to commercial motor vehicles, such as attempts to reinforce the front of the vehicle with metal plates.
• The purchase, rental or request for temporary use of commercial motor vehicles, if accompanied by typical indicators such as nervousness during the purchase, paying in cash or lack of familiarity with the vehicle’s operations.
• Attempts by a commercial vehicle driver to unnecessarily or unlawfully infiltrate areas where crowds are gathered.
• Commercial motor vehicles being operated erratically, at unusual times or in unusual locations, particularly in heavy pedestrian areas.
• Presentation of altered or questionable driver’s license, proof of insurance, credit cards or other required documents when purchasing or renting vehicles.
• Suspicious behavior on the part of a vehicle trainee, such as lack of interest in what type of work they will do, what route they will drive or how much they will be paid.

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