Delta Scientific, a manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control systems used in the United States and internationally, announced that, reacting to tragedies in London and Berlin, among others, where vehicles were used as weapons against large numbers of pedestrians, the Fremont City Council plans to heighten protection for its citizens. Twelve Delta portable vehicle barricades will be available to protect citizens from errant drivers and vehicles driven by terrorists at events such as the Fremont Festival of the Arts, Niles Antique Faire and Flea Market, Festival of India, parades and other affairs that attract large numbers of people in confined locations.
In an article in the East Bay Times, Fremont Police Chief Richard Lucero emphasised that special events are an important part of a community's fabric. "They provide an opportunity for people to come together in different ways than they do in their ordinary, day-to-day life and have a chance to connect. In order for it to be effective, it's got to be safe." He continued by saying that the potential danger of cars driving into public gathering areas to kill and hurt people is "very real" and that barricades are a "good, flexible way to be able to protect these venues cost efficiently."
