What Happened This Year 1996

Historical Events from This Year 1996

Politics & Government

Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act Passed

April 24th, 1996 28 years ago

The Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act was enacted in response to rising concerns over terrorism in the United States. The law aimed to streamline the process for federal authorities to combat terrorism and included significant changes to the death penalty procedures. It introduced tighter restrictions on habeas corpus petitions and focused on expediting the capital punishment process for individuals convicted of terrorism-related charges. This legislation was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton.

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Crime & Law

Martin Bryant's Attack at Port Arthur Cafe

April 28th, 1996 28 years ago

A gunman named Martin Bryant opened fire at the Broad Arrow Cafe in Port Arthur, Tasmania, resulting in 35 fatalities and injuring 23 others. The shooting unfolded on a Sunday, during a busy period, shocking the nation and leading to widespread calls for changes in gun control laws in Australia. Bryant was apprehended after a brief standoff with authorities, and the incident prompted a national debate on firearm regulation and public safety.

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Politics & Government

Clinton's Extensive Videotaped Testimony

April 28th, 1996 28 years ago

President Bill Clinton provided a 4.5-hour videotaped testimony for the defense related to the Whitewater real estate investments. This testimony was part of a larger investigation into allegations of misconduct involving Clinton and his wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, in connection with their real estate dealings. The videotape was intended to clarify the Clintons' roles and actions during the Whitewater development, drawing significant media attention.

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Politics & Government

William Colby's Body Discovered in Maryland

May 6th, 1996 28 years ago

William Colby, former director of the CIA, was found dead on the riverbank of the Wicomico River in southern Maryland. His body was discovered eight days after he had gone missing, raising questions about the circumstances of his disappearance. Colby had been known for his controversial tenure at the CIA during the Vietnam War and his later work in the realm of intelligence. The local authorities conducted an investigation to determine the cause of his death, which sparked considerable media coverage and public interest.

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Natural Disasters

Blizzard on Mount Everest Claims Eight Lives

May 10th, 1996 28 years ago

A severe blizzard struck Mount Everest during the spring climbing season, causing perilous conditions for climbers. The storm emerged unexpectedly, leading to eight climbers' deaths as they faced severe cold and blinding snow. Among those lost were members of two expeditions, one led by Rob Hall and the other by Scott Fischer. Rescue efforts were complicated by the extreme weather, leaving survivors to battle fierce winds and freezing temperatures as they descended.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Fire leads to ValuJet Flight 592 crash

May 11th, 1996 28 years ago

After departing from Miami, ValuJet Airlines Flight 592 experienced a catastrophic accident caused by a fire in the cargo hold due to improperly handled chemical oxygen generators. The Douglas DC-9 aircraft was en route to Atlanta when the fire spread quickly, leading to a crash in the Florida Everglades that resulted in the loss of all 110 individuals on board, including passengers and crew members.

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Natural Disasters

Severe Thunderstorms and Tornado Devastate Bangladesh

May 13th, 1996 28 years ago

Severe thunderstorms and a tornado struck Bangladesh, resulting in the deaths of approximately 600 people. The storm caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land. Many communities faced loss and devastation as they struggled to recover from the disaster. The intensity of the storm was exacerbated by the region's geographical vulnerability to extreme weather events.

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Space Exploration

Space Shuttle Endeavour Launches on STS-77 Mission

May 19th, 1996 28 years ago

Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on mission STS-77 from Kennedy Space Center. This mission focused on deploying multiple satellites and conducting scientific experiments. Among the payload was the Spartan satellite, designed for astrophysics research, marking an important step in the understanding of the universe. The shuttle's crew included seven astronauts, underlining the collaborative spirit of NASA.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Supreme Court Rules on Gay Rights in Colorado

May 20th, 1996 28 years ago

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Romer v. Evans, finding unconstitutional a Colorado constitutional amendment that prohibited any protective legislation for LGBTQ+ individuals. The case arose after the Colorado electorate passed Amendment 2 in 1992, which aimed to prevent municipalities from enacting laws that would protect the rights of gays and lesbians. This ruling was significant in affirming the rights of LGBTQ+ people to secure equal protection under the law.

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