Amsterdam, January 6, 2026
Police in the Netherlands faced a barrage of fireworks on New Year’s Eve, with officers reporting being targeted by what they’ve termed “firework machine guns.”
- Groups of young people attacked police with fireworks in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht.
- The fireworks used, described as “machine guns,” are large Roman candles capable of rapid fire.
- These fireworks are illegal in the Netherlands but readily available in neighboring countries like Belgium and Germany.
- Police suspect a coordinated effort behind the attacks, potentially involving a criminal network.
The scenes were chaotic: moving police cars pelted with explosives, officers forced to retreat amid a deafening roar, and celebratory cheers erupting from the crowds. Across the Netherlands, New Year’s Eve devolved into confrontations as groups of young people unleashed a new level of firepower at law enforcement. The weapon of choice? Large-capacity fireworks tubes, quickly dubbed “firework machine guns” by authorities.
What are these ‘Firework Machine Guns’?
These aren’t your typical sparklers. Police described the devices as tubes capable of firing a rapid succession of flares, held with both hands and used for targeted attacks. Fireworks vlogger Ruben Koet identified them as large Roman candles, originating from Liuyang, China – a major fireworks production hub. “They are popular in China, where they shoot them above the water,” Koet explained on his social media channels. “Some have a lever and are called ‘shooters’.”
Police and emergency workers bombarded with fireworks cannons
The addition of a lever to these tubes makes them easier to wield, but also more dangerous, transforming them into makeshift weapons. Incidents unfolded in multiple cities, including Rijnsburg, where ten individuals were arrested after throwing fireworks at police. Similar weapons were deployed in Amsterdam-Noord’s Floradorp, where residents are protesting a ban on the traditional New Year’s bonfire.
National Police Chief Janny Knol stated on the television program Pauw en De Wit last night that authorities suspect a criminal network may be orchestrating the attacks.
A Growing Trend Across Europe?
According to Police and Justice Editor Remco Andringa, this isn’t solely a Dutch problem. “On social media, you see these ‘firework machine guns’ being used in Paris, Berlin, and Brussels, sometimes for celebratory purposes, sometimes aimed at police. It’s a trend within street culture and among rioters across Europe.”
These fireworks are also appearing in football stadiums. Last month, a photo circulated showing individuals at the Johan Cruijff Arena aiming a “firework machine gun” at players during a match between Ajax and FC Groningen, forcing a temporary halt to the game. As long as these fireworks remain accessible just across the border – they are legal in Belgium, Germany, and Poland – keeping them off Dutch streets will be a significant challenge.
The first suspects involved in New Year’s Eve violence will be tried in Den Bosch tomorrow, though these cases do not involve attacks with the “firework machine guns.”
