The deadly ramming attack on New Year’s revelers in New Orleans is unfortunately not the only time suspected terrorists have used trucks to kill. The incident in New Orleans came shortly after a Saudi Arabia-born doctor allegedly rammed a car into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing five people and injuring over 200 others. Other car-ramming incidents have occurred in cities such as Nice, France; Waukesha, Wisconsin; and New York City, prompting concerns about the vulnerability of “soft targets.” Former Trump Department of Homeland Security official Brian Harrell emphasized the effectiveness of car-ramming attacks and the need for increased vigilance at mass gathering events to prevent similar tragedies.
The FBI is investigating the New Orleans attack as an act of terrorism, with the suspect Shamsud Din Jabbar reportedly ramming a truck into crowds on Bourbon Street, resulting in at least 10 deaths and dozens of injuries. Jabbar, who was armed with firearms, was killed by police after opening fire on them. Explosive devices were also found at the scene, further indicating the severity of the attack. The investigation surrounding the incident remains ongoing, with a significant area around Bourbon Street blocked off to allow authorities to collect evidence and ensure the safety of the public.
The vehicle used in the New Orleans attack crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in November before being used in the deadly incident on Bourbon Street. The Sugar Bowl, a highly anticipated college football playoff game between Georgia and Notre Dame, was expected to proceed as planned in New Orleans, with heightened security measures in place to ensure the safety of attendees. As the city struggles to recover from the tragic event, it is important to reflect on similar car-ramming attacks that have occurred in recent years around the world, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security protocols at vulnerable public spaces.
In recent years, car-ramming attacks have taken place in various locations, including at a Christmas market in Germany where a Saudi Arabian doctor was responsible for the deaths of multiple individuals. Notably, a car-ramming incident occurred in New York City in 2017 when Sayfullo Saipov deliberately struck pedestrians on a bike path, resulting in multiple casualties. Similar attacks have also occurred in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where a Christmas parade was targeted, and in Nice, France, where a truck was driven through a crowded boardwalk during a holiday celebration, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries.
These tragic incidents underscore the ongoing threat posed by individuals who use vehicles as weapons to terrorize innocent civilians. Survivors of such attacks continue to suffer physical injuries, amputations, and psychological trauma, demonstrating the lasting impact of these acts of violence. While measures have been taken to enhance security at public events and gatherings, the open nature of these locations continues to pose challenges in preventing attacks. The importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of terrorism remains paramount, with a focus on safeguarding soft targets and ensuring the safety of all individuals who gather in public spaces.
