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.

Crime & Law

Hinckley Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity

June 21st, 1982 42 years ago

John Hinckley was acquitted after being found not guilty by reason of insanity for attempting to assassinate President Ronald Reagan. His actions on March 30, 1981, left Reagan injured and raised questions about mental health defenses in the legal system. Hinckley stated he was motivated by a desire to impress actress Jodie Foster.

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Politics & Government

Israeli Ambassador Shlomo Argov Shot in London

June 3rd, 1982 42 years ago

Shlomo Argov, the Israeli ambassador to the UK, was shot in London, resulting in severe injuries that left him paralyzed. The incident occurred on a busy street in London, where Argov was targeted as he was leaving a dinner at the Dorchester Hotel. The assailant, who later identified himself as a member of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, was believed to have been acting in response to Israeli policies. The attack drew international condemnation and heightened tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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Politics & Government

Hosni Mubarak Elected as President of Egypt

October 14th, 1981 43 years ago

Following the assassination of Anwar Sadat, Hosni Mubarak was elected the President of Egypt. The election took place a week after Sadat's death on October 6, 1981, marking a significant transition in Egyptian leadership. Mubarak, who had served as Vice President under Sadat, was tasked with stabilizing the nation and continuing its policies amidst regional tensions and internal strife. His ascent to power was seen as a move to maintain continuity during a critical period in Egypt's political landscape.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat

October 6th, 1981 43 years ago

Anwar Sadat, President of Egypt, was assassinated during a military parade in Cairo when Islamic extremists affiliated with the Egyptian Islamic Jihad attacked. The assailants were motivated by Sadat’s peace treaty with Israel and his repression of Islamist groups within the country. His assassination marked a significant turning point in Egypt’s political landscape and the broader Middle East region.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Iranian Leaders in Bombing Attack

August 30th, 1981 43 years ago

President Mohammad-Ali Rajai and Prime Minister Mohammad-Javad Bahonar were killed when a bomb exploded at the Prime Minister’s office in Tehran, Iran. The attack was executed by the People's Mujahedin of Iran, a group opposing the Islamic Republic's government. This assassination occurred shortly after their appointments, highlighting the tensions in post-revolution Iran. The bombing claimed additional lives, including key members of the cabinet, demonstrating the volatile political climate of the country at the time.

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Crime & Law

Attempted Assassination of Pope John Paul II

May 13th, 1981 43 years ago

Mehmet Ali Ağca attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square, Rome. During a public audience, Ağca fired several shots, hitting the Pope in the abdomen and hand. He was quickly rushed to the Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic, where he underwent emergency surgery. Despite the severity of his injuries, the Pope survived the assassination attempt, which led to a surge of support for him from around the world.

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Politics & Government

Ronald Reagan Assassination Attempt

March 30th, 1981 43 years ago

U.S. President Ronald Reagan was shot in the chest outside the Washington Hilton Hotel by John Hinckley Jr., injuring three others in the process. Hinckley attempted the assassination to impress actress Jodie Foster, prompting a national conversation about security for public figures. Reagan was quickly rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for his wounds.

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Politics & Government

Anastasio Somoza Debayle Assassinated in Paraguay

September 17th, 1980 44 years ago

Anastasio Somoza Debayle, the former president of Nicaragua, was assassinated by members of a leftist group in Asunción, Paraguay. He was shot multiple times while attending a dinner at a friend's residence. The attack was part of a broader campaign against Somoza, who had been in exile since the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua. His assassination marked a significant moment in the political landscape of Central America.

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Religion & Philosophy

Assassination of Archbishop Óscar Romero

March 24th, 1980 44 years ago

Óscar Romero, the Archbishop of San Salvador, was shot and killed while celebrating Mass at a chapel in San Salvador. His assassination was ordered by political authorities opposed to his defense of human rights and social justice, particularly during the brutal civil war in El Salvador. Romero had become a prominent voice advocating for the poor and standing against violence and repression, making him a target of those who feared his influence.

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