Nice Attack Witness Recalls Efforts to Disarm Terrorist 10 Years Later

Gilles Gamberi, a former truck driver, has shared his testimony regarding his attempt to disarm the terrorist during the 2016 Nice truck attack ^[1].

His account provides a rare glimpse into the immediate chaos of the event and the actions of a civilian who confronted the attacker face-to-face. As the city marks a decade since the tragedy, Gamberi's story highlights the enduring psychological impact on survivors and the role of unplanned civilian intervention during mass casualty events.

On the evening of July 14, 2026 ^[1], the attacker drove a truck into crowds on the Promenade des Anglais, killing 86 people ^[1]. Gamberi was present on the footstep of the truck during the event ^[2]. He attempted to stop the attacker and tried to disarm the weapon the terrorist was carrying ^[2].

Following the immediate violence, Gamberi provided police with crucial details about the attacker's actions, and the specific weapon used ^[2]. Because of these actions, he has been described by others as the "shadow hero" of the attack ^[1].

Despite this label, Gamberi does not view himself in those terms. In a recent video interview, he pushed back against the notion of heroism. "On survalorise le rôle que j’ai eu" (The role I played is overvalued), Gamberi said ^[2].

He also reflected on the impossibility of preparing for such a violent event. "Rien ne nous prépare à une telle scène" (Nothing prepares us for such a scene), Gamberi said ^[1].

His testimony comes as part of the reflections surrounding the 10-year anniversary of the attack in July 2026 ^[2]. Gamberi's experience underscores the visceral nature of the encounter, and the subsequent burden of memory carried by those who intervened during the massacre.