Historical Events tagged with "shooting"

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

Shooting at Quebec National Assembly

May 8th, 1984 40 years ago

Corporal Denis Lortie entered the Quebec National Assembly armed and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuring thirteen others. The shooting took place during a chaotic episode when Lortie attempted to express his grievances regarding the governmental actions. René Jalbert, the Sergeant-at-Arms, played a crucial role in de-escalating the situation, successfully calming Lortie and preventing further loss of life. Jalbert’s bravery earned him the Cross of Valour for his actions.

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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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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Cerro Maravilla Incident Involving Nationalists

July 25th, 1978 46 years ago

Puerto Rican police shot two nationalists at Cerro Maravilla, an event that reflected escalating tensions around Puerto Rican independence. The incident occurred during a period marked by political strife, as demonstrators voiced their dissatisfaction with U.S. policies. Critics argue that the police used excessive force, leading to renewed calls for accountability and independence for Puerto Rico.

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Crime & Law

David Berkowitz's First Attack in NYC

July 29th, 1976 48 years ago

David Berkowitz, known as the 'Son of Sam,' committed his first violent act in New York City, resulting in one fatality and serious injuries to another individual. Berkowitz used a .44 caliber revolver to carry out the shooting, targeting two young women who were sitting in a parked car. The police later described the attack as random, as there were no apparent motives behind the shooting. This initial attack marked the beginning of a series of violent crimes that would terrorize the city over the next year, instigating widespread panic and fear amongst residents.

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Crime & Law

Mark Essex Hotel Shooting Rampage in New Orleans

January 7th, 1973 52 years ago

Mark Essex unleashed a violent shooting spree at the Howard Johnson's Hotel in New Orleans, killing seven and injuring five. Essex, a former naval recruit, had previously engaged in another shooting that week. The chaos unfolded as guests and staff sought shelter from his gunfire. Eventually, police intervened, leading to a shootout that resulted in Essex's death. The incident highlighted escalating violence and the challenges of mental health in society during that period.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Kent State Shooting During Vietnam War Protest

May 4th, 1970 54 years ago

At Kent State University, the Ohio National Guard opened fire on unarmed students protesting the Cambodian Campaign, resulting in four deaths and nine injuries. This tragic incident stemmed from increased discontent regarding U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and sparked national outrage, becoming a pivotal moment in the anti-war movement.

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Crime & Law

Rabbi Morris Adler Fatally Shot by Congregant

February 12th, 1966 59 years ago

Rabbi Morris Adler was fatally shot during a service at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, Michigan, by a disgruntled congregant, Thomas R. Davis. The motivations for the shooting stemmed from unresolved grievances the shooter had with the synagogue's leadership. The shooting occurred in front of members of the congregation and marked a pivotal moment in the community’s struggle with violence and conflict within religious institutions.

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Accidents & Tragedies

United Air Lines Flight 615 crash near Decoto

August 24th, 1951 73 years ago

United Air Lines Flight 615, a Douglas DC-6, crashed near Decoto, California, resulting in the deaths of all 50 individuals on board. The aircraft was en route from Los Angeles to San Francisco when it encountered severe weather and lost altitude rapidly, leading to the tragic accident. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the airplane in distress before it crashed just short of the Hayward Airport, causing extensive debris field and igniting a fire upon impact.

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Crime & Law

Execution of Soldier Olavi Laiho in Oulu

September 2nd, 1944 80 years ago

Soldier Olavi Laiho was executed by shooting in Oulu, marking a significant event as he became the last person executed in Finland. This event took place against the backdrop of the Second World War, during which Laiho was sentenced for desertion and other military offenses. The execution highlighted the tensions within the Finnish military and the challenges of maintaining discipline during wartime.

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