RELEASE: Gottheimer Joins Darren Drake Foundation, Drake Family for Darren Drake Memorial

Resources / Press Share on RELEASE: Gottheimer Joins Darren Drake Foundation, Drake Family for Darren Drake Memorial Honors Life of Darren Drake on Ninth Anniversary of Terror Attack Nov 01, 2026 Press Above: Gottheimer at Darren Drake Memorial. NEW MILFORD, NJ — Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined the Darren Drake Foundation and the Drake family at New Milford High School for a special memorial flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the life of Darren Drake and highlight Gottheimer’s bipartisan Darren Drake Act, which was signed into law to help combat lone-wolf terror attacks. Watch Gottheimer’s full remarks here. “It’s hard to believe that it’s been nine years since New Milford and the Drakes lost Darren. A blink of an eye. Yet, as we promised then, we would always honor Darren’s memory. This community has never forgotten,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “The Darren Drake Act has become an essential tool in our arsenal to eradicate terrorist threats in our country. And, it exists because of Jimmy and Barbara – and Darren.” Gottheimer’s bipartisan Darren Drake Act, signed into law in December 2022, helps stop terrorists from easily acquiring trucks and other vehicles to use as weapons in attacks. Working closely with vehicle rental companies and in consultation with federal, state, and local law enforcement, the legislation requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to take concrete steps to stop known terrorists from renting vehicles. On October 31, 2017, Darren was murdered in a terrorist attack while on a New York City bike path, where he was deliberately run down by an ISIS sympathizer in a rented pickup truck. The Darren Drake Foundation was created to honor his legacy and pursue the ideals and vision he was so passionate about. Gottheimer was joined by Mayor Michael Putrino, Councilman Matthew Seymour, and Councilman Arthur Zeilner. Below: Gottheimer at Darren Drake Memorial. ### Share on