Historical Events tagged with "crime"

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 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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Crime & Law

Massive Art Heist From Boston Museum

March 18th, 1990 34 years ago

In 1990, two men dressed as police officers entered the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston and stole 12 artworks valued at approximately $500 million. The heist occurred in the early morning hours and remains unsolved, with the stolen pieces including works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Degas. The museum's founder, Isabella Stewart Gardner, had stipulated that the collection be displayed as intended, making the loss particularly poignant for the institution.

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Crime & Law

Joseph T. Wesbecker's Workplace Shooting

September 14th, 1989 35 years ago

Joseph T. Wesbecker, a former pressman at Standard Gravure in Louisville, Kentucky, opened fire at his previous workplace, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals and injuring twelve others. Wesbecker, who was reported to have a history of mental health issues, committed the attack with a semi-automatic pistol before taking his own life. The shooting has raised concerns about workplace safety and gun control measures in the United States.

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Crime & Law

Monkseaton Shootings: Casualties in Tyne and Wear

April 30th, 1989 35 years ago

A gunman opened fire at a residential property in Monkseaton, Tyne and Wear, resulting in one death and 16 injuries. Chaos ensued as emergency services responded to the scene. The shooter, a local resident, reportedly targeted a family gathering, indiscriminately firing at attendees before fleeing. The incident shocked the community and raised concerns over gun control in the UK.

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Crime & Law

Ted Bundy Executed by Electric Chair

January 24th, 1989 36 years ago

Ted Bundy, a notorious American serial killer, was executed in the electric chair at the Florida State Prison. Bundy was convicted of the murders of over 30 young women during the 1970s, and his criminal exploits garnered extensive media attention. His execution followed years of appeals and public outcry surrounding his crimes. The event marked a controversial moment in American criminal justice, highlighting the debates over the death penalty and the societal impact of violent crime.

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Crime & Law

Execution-Style Shooting of Victoria Police Officers

October 12th, 1988 36 years ago

Two officers of the Victoria Police were shot execution-style in Walsh Street, South Melbourne. During a routine patrol, Senior Constable Jill O'Brien and Constable Gary Silk were ambushed and killed by armed assailants. The attackers were believed to be linked to organized crime. This shocking event highlighted the dangers faced by police officers and led to a renewed focus on law enforcement practices in Victoria.

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Crime & Law

Michael Ryan's Shooting Spree in Hungerford

August 19th, 1987 37 years ago

Michael Ryan opened fire in Hungerford, England, killing sixteen people with a semi-automatic rifle. The attack commenced in the town center and continued through residential areas, leaving a trail of devastation before Ryan turned the gun on himself. Witnesses described chaos as Ryan systematically targeted victims at random, including children and adults, using an assault weapon. This incident shocked the nation and prompted discussions about gun control.

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Crime & Law

Postal Employee Patrick Sherrill Commits Mass Shooting

August 20th, 1986 38 years ago

Patrick Sherrill, a postal worker in Edmond, Oklahoma, opened fire on his colleagues with a handgun, killing 14 of them and injuring several others. This violent act occurred during his shift at the post office. Following the shooting, Sherrill took his own life, resulting in one of the deadliest workplace shootings in U.S. history. The event shocked the local community and raised questions about workplace violence and gun control.

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Crime & Law

FBI Miami Shootout: A Daylight Gun Battle

April 11th, 1986 38 years ago

In Dade County, Florida, a gun battle erupted between two bank robbers and FBI agents pursuing them. The shootout resulted in the deaths of FBI agents Jerry L. Dove and Benjamin P. Grogan, with five other agents wounded during the intense confrontation. This dramatic event not only showcased the dangers faced by law enforcement but also led to the development of the popular .40 S&W cartridge.

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