Historical Events tagged with "assassination"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Assassination of Contras Leader Enrique Bermúdez

February 16th, 1991 34 years ago

Enrique Bermúdez, a prominent commander of the Nicaraguan Contras, was assassinated in Managua. The assassination is reported to have occurred in a shooting that took place in the early morning hours, marking a significant moment in Nicaragua's political landscape. Bermúdez was known for his leadership role during the Contra War against the Sandinista government. His death raised tensions and highlighted the continuing violence in the region.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Rabbi Meir Kahane in New York

November 5th, 1990 34 years ago

Rabbi Meir Kahane was shot dead in a hotel in New York City shortly after delivering a speech. The shooter, later identified as a member of an Islamic militant organization, acted in what was described as a premeditated attack. Kahane, known for his controversial views and founding of the far-right Kach political party, had been a polarizing figure in American and Israeli politics. His death sparked debates around his ideologies and the nature of political violence.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Ian Gow by the IRA

July 30th, 1990 34 years ago

Ian Gow, a Conservative Member of Parliament, was assassinated by the IRA at his home using a car bomb. Just prior to the attack, Gow had assured the group that the British government would never yield to their demands, making him a target for retaliatory violence. His death marked a significant moment in the ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland.

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Politics & Government

Luis Carlos Galán Assassinated Near Bogotá

August 18th, 1989 35 years ago

Luis Carlos Galán, a prominent Colombian presidential candidate, was assassinated in a violent attack while campaigning near Bogotá. Known for his anti-drug stance and reformist views, Galán was a leading figure in the Liberal Party, advocating for change in a country plagued by drug-related violence. His assassination was a brutal reminder of the dangers faced by politicians in Colombia at the time and highlighted the pervasive influence of drug cartels in political affairs.

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Crime & Law

Death Sentences for Indira Gandhi Assassins

January 6th, 1989 36 years ago

Satwant Singh and Kehar Singh received death sentences for their roles in the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The execution took place shortly after the verdict was delivered, reflecting the intense political atmosphere in India stemming from Gandhi's controversial leadership and the events leading to her assassination in 1984.

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Politics & Government

Thomas Sankara Overthrown and Assassinated

October 15th, 1987 37 years ago

Thomas Sankara, the President of Burkina Faso, was overthrown and killed in a coup d'état led by his former colleague Blaise Compaoré. The coup took place in Ouagadougou, where military forces loyal to Compaoré stormed the presidential residence, resulting in Sankara's assassination. The motives behind the coup included political differences and the desire for power, as Sankara had promoted radical reforms and anti-colonial policies that sometimes alienated his former allies. This pivotal event marked a significant shift in Burkina Faso's political landscape.

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Politics & Government

Pinochet Survives Assassination Attempt

September 7th, 1986 38 years ago

In a coordinated attack, the Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front (FPMR) ambushed Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet's motorcade in Santiago, resulting in five of his bodyguards being killed. The attack was part of a broader campaign against the Pinochet regime, which had been characterized by repression and authoritarian rule since the coup in 1973. Although Pinochet survived, the assassination attempt marked a significant escalation in the efforts of leftist groups to destabilize his government. This event highlighted the growing unrest and opposition to his rule during the 1980s.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Olof Palme in Stockholm

February 28th, 1986 39 years ago

Olof Palme, the Prime Minister of Sweden, was shot while walking home from the cinema with his wife in Stockholm. The attack occurred late at night, just a few blocks from their residence. Despite numerous investigations and public interest, the case remained unsolved for many years. Palme was known for his strong stance on social democracy and international issues. His unexpected murder sent shockwaves through Sweden and led to widespread speculation regarding his political actions and enemies.

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Politics & Government

M. Alalasundaram and V. Dharmalingam Shot Dead

September 2nd, 1985 39 years ago

M. Alalasundaram and V. Dharmalingam, prominent Sri Lankan Tamil politicians, were assassinated in Colombo, Sri Lanka. They were known for their active roles in advocating for Tamil rights during the escalating conflict in the region. Their murders were part of an ongoing violence that marked the early years of the Sri Lankan Civil War, reflecting the deep-seated tensions between the Tamil minority and the Sinhalese majority. This incident triggered further unrest and drew attention to the volatile political climate.

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