Vehicle Ramming Attacks: Tracking the Surge in a Growing Global Threat
Explore the crucial findings from the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) on the global phenomenon of vehicle ramming attacks (VRAs). Drawing on MTI’s proprietary database, which catalogues thousands of attacks against public surface transportation dating back to January 1970, this description summarises an update examining the frequency, lethality, and necessary mitigation measures concerning this tactic.
The report highlights a recent, significant surge, with 27 vehicle ramming attacks reported worldwide during the nine months ending July 31, 2025. Since 2012, the vast majority of these incidents have occurred in economically more advanced countries (Group 1 countries). The United States has experienced the most attacks (85) since 2012, followed by Israel and the Palestinian Territories (70). Crucially, the volume of attacks and the number of fatalities are both gradually increasing over time in the U.S..
The motivation behind these attacks is complex: while some are ideologically or terrorist-motivated (such as the deadly 2025 New Orleans attack, the deadliest VRA in the United States, carried out by an army veteran claiming allegiance to ISIS), others stem from non-ideological factors. Mental health issues are commonly reported in many cases. Attacks are often observed to occur in clusters, demonstrating a contagion effect.
We detail the factors that make these incidents lethal, including attacks involving larger, faster vehicles in crowded, narrow spaces, and the high lethality seen in attacks on pedestrianised streets and public gatherings in Group 1 countries. High-casualty incidents often involve rented or stolen vehicles.
The research supports considerations for adapting transportation planning, street design, and event security to the growing threat. Although VRAs can achieve high body counts, the risk of death or capture for perpetrators (approximately 27.1 percent) is a significant barrier compared to historical airline hijackings.