Historical Events tagged with "vandalism"

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

Georgia Guidestones Heavily Damaged by Bombing

July 6th, 2022 2 years ago

The Georgia Guidestones, an enigmatic granite monument in Elbert County, Georgia, were damaged in a bombing. The blast occurred early in the morning, destroying one of the granite slabs and severely damaging others. Local authorities swiftly arrived on the scene, deeming it an act of vandalism, and later that same day, they decided to dismantle the remaining sections of the monument for safety reasons. The Guidestones, which had been the subject of controversy and interest since their completion in 1980, featured guidelines inscribed in multiple languages that presented a vision for humanity's future.

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Crime & Law

Michael P. Fay Caned in Singapore for Vandalism

May 5th, 1994 30 years ago

Michael P. Fay, an American teenager, was caned in Singapore for his involvement in theft and vandalism, which included spray-painting cars and stealing street signs. This punishment, prescribed by Singapore’s strict laws against crime, sparked international outcry, particularly from the United States, where it was seen as excessive. His case drew significant media attention highlighting cultural differences regarding legal consequences and justice.

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Arts & Culture

Attacker Damages Rembrandt's Danaë with Acid

June 15th, 1985 39 years ago

A man, later deemed insane, attacked Rembrandt's famous painting 'Danaë' at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg by throwing sulfuric acid on the canvas and cutting it with a knife. This shocking act of vandalism occurred during an exhibition, prompting immediate concern over the safety of art. The painting sustained considerable damage, leading to debates about the protection of cultural heritage and the mental health of individuals who commit acts of violence against artwork.

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Arts & Culture

Vandalism of Michelangelo's Pietà in Rome

May 21st, 1972 52 years ago

Laszlo Toth, a Hungarian geologist, vandalized Michelangelo's Pietà in St. Peter's Basilica by attacking the sculpture with a hammer. The incident happened on May 21, 1972, as Toth used a hammer to inflict significant damage to the masterpiece, chipping away at the marble. This act of destruction attracted extensive media coverage and drew attention to the vulnerabilities of art in public spaces. Toth was immediately subdued by onlookers and later deemed mentally disturbed.

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