Nashville Standard

Rep. Carlos Gimenez and Chairman Mark E. Green have introduced the "Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025" in response to growing concerns over vehicular terrorism. The bill aims to address threats posed by individuals radicalized on U.S. soil, often inspired by ISIS propaganda.

The legislation mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) produce an annual report on emerging threats and countermeasures related to vehicular terrorism. This initiative follows a recent terrorist attack in New Orleans, where a vehicle was used as a weapon, resulting in 14 deaths.

Chairman Gimenez emphasized the need for DHS to take action against these threats, stating, “The horrific ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in New Orleans makes tragically clear how vehicles are weaponized as instruments of terror.” He expressed his commitment to advancing the bill while mourning the loss of lives from the New Year's Day attack.

Chairman Green echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of adapting to evolving threats with new technology and capabilities. “I thank Chairman Gimenez for introducing legislation to address an emerging threat facing our nation by homegrown violent extremists, often inspired by ISIS,” he said.

The background context includes previous attacks such as one on Bourbon Street in New Orleans and another in New York City in 2017. These incidents underscore the persistent threat from foreign jihadist networks like ISIS.

Vehicle-ramming attacks have been increasing not only in the United States but also internationally since an attack in Nice, France, on Bastille Day 2016.