A disturbing trend of vehicle ramming attacks began in Nice, France, in 2016. A man used a heavy truck to run into crowds during Bastille Day celebrations. Since then, these attacks have become more frequent, although not all are labeled as terrorism. The most recent occurred on New Year’s Day in New Orleans as 2025 began.
In New Orleans, a driver crashed his pickup truck into a crowd in the French Quarter, celebrating the New Year. After the collision, the driver opened fire, killing 10 people and injuring over 35 others. The FBI is investigating it as a potential terrorist act.
Vehicle attacks are now considered a significant threat worldwide. The US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency highlights their danger and provides a “Vehicle Incident Prevention and Mitigation Security Guide.”
Below is a chronological overview of notable vehicle ramming incidents where vehicles were used to harm and kill people in public spaces.
Key Incidents
Magdeburg, Germany
Last month, a 50-year-old man drove into crowds at a Christmas market in Magdeburg. The attack killed five people and left many others injured. Authorities charged the man, a psychiatrist from Saudi Arabia with anti-Islamic rhetoric, with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder.
Zhuhai, China
In November, a driver rammed his car into a crowd at a sports center in Zhuhai, China. The attack killed 35 people and severely injured 43 others, making it one of the deadliest incidents in modern Chinese history. The suspect, a 62-year-old man named Fan, reportedly acted out of frustration over his divorce settlement.
Waukesha, Wisconsin, US
In 2021, Darrell Brooks drove an SUV into a Christmas parade near Milwaukee, killing six people and injuring dozens. He was convicted in 2022 for deliberately driving through barricades and hitting participants.
London, Ontario, Canada
In 2021, a 22-year-old self-proclaimed white nationalist drove his truck into a Muslim family, killing four people. Nathaniel Veltman was convicted of first-degree murder in 2023, and the judge labeled it a terrorist act.
Toronto, Canada
Alek Minassian used a rented van to attack pedestrians in downtown Toronto in 2018, killing 11 people and injuring 15. He was convicted in 2021 of 10 murders, with the judge later recognizing an 11th victim connected to the attack.
New York, US
In 2017, Sayfullo Saipov drove a rented truck down a Manhattan bike path, killing eight people and injuring 11. He was convicted in 2023 of committing the attack to join the Islamic State.
Barcelona, Spain
In 2017, Younes Abouyaaqoub drove into crowds on Barcelona’s Las Ramblas, killing 13 people. He fled the scene and later killed another man to steal his car. Police shot him dead days later.
Berlin, Germany
In 2016, Anis Amri hijacked a truck, killed its driver, and plowed into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12 people and injuring dozens. Police killed him in Italy four days later.
Nice, France
In 2016, a gunman drove a truck into Bastille Day celebrants in Nice, killing 86 people. The attack, claimed by the Islamic State, remains one of the deadliest vehicle attacks in history.
