Terror Warning: Feds Warn Of Vehicle-Ramming Attacks

WASHINGTON, DC — The Transportation Security Administration has released a report warning drivers of possible vehicle-ramming terrorist attacks and recommending "vigilance and preparedness to help prevent the use of commercial vehicles" to harm the public. "No community, large or small, rural or urban, is immune to attacks of this kind by organized or 'lone wolf' terrorists," the TSA said.

The six-page report notes that since 2014, terrorists were responsible for at least 17 vehicle-ramming attacks worldwide, which left 173 people dead and 667 injured. Commercial vehicles, because of their size, weight and the large loads they can carry, "present an especially attractive mechanism" for vehicle-ramming incidents, according to the TSA.

Last week, the TSA shared the report with the trucking and bus industry, calling the type of attacks "unsophisticated" because they require minimal planning and training. Terrorist groups, however, have been advocating such attacks because they "minimize the potential for premature detection."

Terrorists deliberately aim a motor vehicle at a target with the intent to inflict fatal injuries or significant property damage. Targets can include anywhere large groups of people congregate, such as parades, celebratory gatherings, sporting events, entertainment venues, shopping centers — or just down a busy street.

The TSA guidance, titled "Vehicle Ramming Attacks: Threat Landscape, Indicators, and Countermeasures," lists where the commercial vehicles may come from used in the attacks:

1. Insider threat: authorized commercial vehicle driver carries out or facilitates the attack;
2. Hijacking: attacker gains control of a commercial vehicle by force;
3. Theft: attacker steals a commercial vehicle;
4. Rental: attacker rents a commercial vehicle; and
5. Purchase: Attacker purchases a commercial vehicle.

It also lists "indicators" that may suggest a planned attack and warns the commercial vehicle industry to be aware of those. They include: unusual modifications; rental for temporary use; the behavior of the person renting or buying — is he nervous, sweating, etc.; and watching out for erratic drivers. The report also offers an extensive list of countermeasures.

In a statement, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness echoed the federal report. New Jersey is one of the most heavily truck-traveled states in the nation with more than 200 million vehicles traveling its roadways every year, according to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.

Lisa Faberstein, a spokeswoman for the TSA who covers the state, said the threat to New Jersey is real and isn't confined to highways.

"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," Faberstein said.

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