Historical Events tagged with "university"

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

Mass Shooting at Charles University in Prague

December 21st, 2023 1 years ago

A mass shooting took place at Charles University, Prague, resulting in 14 fatalities and 25 injuries. The attacker, a university student, fatally shot his father before opening fire on his peers. He took his own life shortly after police arrived at the scene, leaving the university community in shock. The motives behind this act of violence remain unclear, stirring discussions on mental health, security on campus, and the factors contributing to such tragedies in educational institutions.

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Crime & Law

Attack on Garissa University College Shocks Kenya

April 2nd, 2015 9 years ago

Gunmen attacked Garissa University College during the early hours of the morning, leading to a catastrophic loss of life. The assault, carried out by the militant group Al-Shabaab, left at least 148 people dead and 79 wounded, as students were taken hostage and targeted in a killing spree. The attack lasted several hours, culminating in a police operation to rescue the survivors and eliminate the attackers. This incident marked one of the deadliest attacks on a Kenyan university in recent history.

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Crime & Law

Mass Shooting at Oikos University

April 2nd, 2012 12 years ago

A gunman opened fire at Oikos University in Oakland, California, resulting in seven fatalities and three injuries. The shooter, One Goh, a former student, targeted his peers following a confrontation with staff. The assault ended with Goh's arrest in a nearby area, drawing national attention to issues of campus safety and gun control.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Aggie Bonfire Collapse at Texas A&M University

November 18th, 1999 25 years ago

During a traditional bonfire, a tragic collapse occurred, killing 12 students and injuring 27 others. This tradition, part of the Texas A&M's homecoming celebrations, involved building a large pile of logs. The unstable structure failed, leading to a catastrophic incident that shocked the university community and prompted investigations into construction practices and safety regulations at such events.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Student Protests Erupt Following Police Violence

July 9th, 1999 25 years ago

In June, a violent attack by Iranian police and hardliners on a student dormitory at the University of Tehran triggered widespread protests among students. The initial confrontation stemmed from restrictions on press freedoms and calls for reform. As the news of the police raid spread, students organized mass gatherings, demanding justice and greater political freedoms. The protests quickly expanded, drawing support from various segments of society, becoming a notable expression of dissent against the government.

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Science & Technology

Discovery of the 'Oh-My-God' Particle

October 15th, 1991 33 years ago

An ultra-high-energy cosmic ray, named the 'Oh-My-God' particle, was detected at the University of Utah's HiRes observatory. It carried energy equivalent to 40 million times that of the most powerful proton accelerators of the time. This unprecedented level of energy raised questions about the cosmic processes generating such high-energy particles and provided insights into particle physics and astrophysical phenomena.

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Politics & Government

El Salvadoran Army Kills Jesuit Priests

November 16th, 1989 35 years ago

El Salvadoran army soldiers entered the campus of José Simeón Cañas Central American University and killed six Jesuit priests along with their housekeeper and her daughter. The killings took place during El Salvador's civil war, as the priests had been vocal critics of the government and the military's tactics against the poor. Their assassination sparked international outrage and brought attention to the ongoing human rights violations in the country.

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Crime & Law

First Unabomber Bombing at Northwestern University

May 25th, 1978 46 years ago

A bomb exploded at Northwestern University, causing minor injuries to several individuals. The explosive device was part of a series of bombings carried out by the individual later known as the Unabomber, Theodore Kaczynski. The incident marked the beginning of a lengthy and complex investigation into his identity and motivations. Kaczynski targeted academic institutions, believing they represented the technological and societal issues he vehemently opposed.

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Politics & Government

Thammasat University Massacre and Military Coup

October 6th, 1976 48 years ago

In a violent confrontation at Thammasat University, dozens were killed by Thai police and right-wing paramilitaries in a backlash against student protests. Following the massacre, the Seni Pramoj government was overthrown in a military coup led by General Sangad Chaloryu. The event marked a significant turning point in Thailand’s political landscape.

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