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Today in History: Amsterdam-Paris Thalys passengers thwart shooting attack

8/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 21 August 2015, Moroccan gunman Ayoub El Khazzani boarded a Thalys train bound for Paris from Amsterdam with a pistol and knife. French, American and British passengers spotted the weapons, engaged him, and wounded him while two travelers suffered gunshot and slash injuries; a third passenger was hurt breaking an emergency-alarm glass.

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Story summary

On 21 August 2015, Moroccan gunman Ayoub El Khazzani boarded a Thalys train bound for Paris from Amsterdam with a pistol and knife. French, American and British passengers spotted the weapons, engaged him, and wounded him while two travelers suffered gunshot and slash injuries; a third passenger was hurt breaking an emergency-alarm glass.