Historical Events tagged with "security"

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

Capitol Shooting by Russell Eugene Weston Jr.

July 24th, 1998 26 years ago

Russell Eugene Weston Jr. entered the United States Capitol building brandishing a firearm and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of two Capitol Police officers. The shooting occurred in a public area inside the Capitol, and Weston was subsequently apprehended at the scene. Authorities quickly ruled him incompetent to stand trial due to mental health issues, raising questions about security protocols within one of the most important government buildings in the United States.

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Crime & Law

Luxor Massacre by Islamic Militants

November 17th, 1997 27 years ago

In Luxor, Egypt, six Islamic militants attacked tourists near the Temple of Hatshepsut, resulting in the deaths of 62 people. The attackers targeted unsuspecting visitors, using firearms in a coordinated assault. This incident became one of the deadliest attacks on tourists in Egypt's modern history, highlighting security challenges faced by the nation. The attack brought significant international attention to the risks associated with terrorism and impacted Egypt's tourism industry severely, leading to a decline in visitor numbers.

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Military & Warfare

Beni Ali Massacre Claims Numerous Lives

August 26th, 1997 27 years ago

In the town of Beni Ali, Algeria, a massacre occurred that resulted in the deaths of between 60 to 100 individuals, primarily targeting local villagers. The assaults were executed by unidentified armed groups, instilling fear and creating chaos in the surrounding region. This brutal attack was part of a broader conflict during the Algerian Civil War, where violence escalated significantly in rural areas, particularly against those perceived as supporting the government. The event reflects the deteriorating security situation in Algeria during the 1990s.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Ethiopian Airlines Flight 961 Hijacked and Crashed

November 23rd, 1996 28 years ago

Ethiopian Airlines Flight 961 was hijacked by three armed men on November 23, 1996, shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The aircraft was a Boeing 767, and the hijackers demanded to fly to Australia but diverted to the Comoros Islands. After several hours in the air and running out of fuel, the plane crashed into the Indian Ocean near the Comoros archipelago, resulting in the deaths of 125 individuals onboard, while 50 passengers survived.

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Crime & Law

Pipe Bomb Explosion at Centennial Olympic Park

July 27th, 1996 28 years ago

A pipe bomb exploded in Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, during the 1996 Summer Olympics. The blast occurred amid a large crowd attending a concert, resulting in two deaths and over 100 injuries. This incident marked a significant moment in Olympic history, highlighting security concerns around the games and leading to enhanced security measures at future events. The perpetrator was later identified as Eric Robert Rudolph, who carried out the attack as part of a larger domestic terrorism campaign.

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Military & Warfare

Attack on US Embassy in Athens

February 15th, 1996 29 years ago

The US Embassy in Athens was targeted by an antitank rocket, launched by the Greek militant group Revolutionary Organization 17 November. This brazen attack occurred amidst a backdrop of political tensions and marked a significant escalation in the group's violent activities against foreign interests in Greece. No casualties were reported, but the incident drew attention to the growing threat posed by militant extremism in the region.

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Politics & Government

Failed Assassination Attempt on Jean Chrétien

November 5th, 1995 29 years ago

André Dallaire attempted to assassinate Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. During the attempted attack, the Prime Minister's wife, Aline Chrétien, played a crucial role in thwarting the effort by locking the door, preventing Dallaire from entering. This incident brought attention to security measures surrounding high-profile political figures in Canada and raised awareness about personal safety in the public sphere.

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Crime & Law

Chemical Fire Reveals Project Bojinka Plans

January 6th, 1995 30 years ago

A chemical fire at an apartment complex in Manila led to a significant discovery of plans for Project Bojinka, an extensive terrorist plot to target multiple locations in the United States and the Philippines. Authorities stumbled upon detailed schematics and operations that connected the apartment to a larger network of terrorists. The incident raised alarms about international terrorist activities and highlighted the dangers of homegrown terrorism, shifting police and security focuses in the region and abroad.

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Crime & Law

Air France Flight 8969 Hijacked in Algiers

December 24th, 1994 30 years ago

Air France Flight 8969 was hijacked at Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers, Algeria. Over a period of three days, the four armed terrorists took control of the aircraft, resulting in the tragic deaths of three passengers. The incident concluded with a violent standoff where all four hijackers were killed by security forces.

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