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May


May 31


Events

  • In 2019, a tragic shooting unfolded inside a municipal building in Virginia Beach, Virginia, resulting in the deaths of 13 individuals, including the shooter, and leaving four others injured. This devastating event marked one of the deadliest mass shootings in the area, highlighting the ongoing issues of gun violence in the United States.

  • In 2017, a devastating car bomb detonated in a busy intersection in Kabul, close to the German embassy during peak rush hour, resulting in over 90 fatalities and injuring 463 individuals. This tragic incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced in Afghanistan.

  • In 2016, during the Syrian civil war, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) initiated the Manbij offensive aimed at capturing the strategic city of Manbij from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). This pivotal military operation marked a significant turn in the fight against ISIL in the region.

  • In 2013, a massive 2.6-mile-wide tornado devastated the area near El Reno, Oklahoma, resulting in eight tragic fatalities, including the loss of three storm chasers, and injuring over 150 individuals. This record-breaking tornado remains one of the most significant weather events in U.S. history.

  • In 2013, the asteroid 1998 QE2 and its accompanying moon made their closest approach to Earth, marking a significant astronomical event that won't be repeated for the next two centuries. Explore the fascinating details of this rare celestial encounter.

  • In 2010, Israeli Shayetet 13 commandos engaged with the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in international waters, seeking to challenge the blockade of the Gaza Strip. The confrontation resulted in the tragic deaths of nine Turkish citizens aboard the flotilla during the ensuing conflict.

  • In 2008, Usain Bolt made history by shattering the world record in the 100m sprint, achieving an incredible time of 9.72 seconds under wind-legal conditions (+1.7 m/s). This remarkable feat solidified his status as one of the greatest sprinters of all time.

  • In 2005, Vanity Fair uncovered the identity of "Deep Throat," revealing Mark Felt as the infamous Watergate whistleblower. This groundbreaking revelation provided crucial insights into the political scandal that rocked the nation.

  • In 2003, Air France officially retired its iconic fleet of Concorde aircraft, marking the end of an era for supersonic travel. Discover the legacy and impact of this legendary aircraft in aviation history.

  • In 1991, the Bicesse Accords in Angola established a roadmap for transitioning to a multi-party democracy, overseen by the UN's UNAVEM II peacekeeping mission. This historic agreement marked a significant step towards political stability and democratic governance in Angola.


Births

  • Iga Świątek

    2001 – Iga Świątek, Polish tennis player

  • Breece Hall

    2001 – Breece Hall, American football player

  • Gable Steveson

    2000 – Gable Steveson, American wrestler

  • Santino Ferrucci

    1998 – Santino Ferrucci, American race car driver

  • Woo Jin-young

    1997 – Woo Jin-young, South Korean singer and rapper

  • Matthew Lodge

    1995 – Matthew Lodge, Australian rugby league player

  • Shane Bieber

    1995 – Shane Bieber, American baseball player

  • Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson

    1992 – Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson, Icelandic politician

  • Laura Ikauniece

    1992 – Laura Ikauniece, Latvian heptathlete

  • Michaël Bournival

    1992 – Michaël Bournival, Canadian ice hockey player

Deaths

  • Marian Robinson

    2024 – Marian Robinson, Mother of Michelle Obama (b. 1937)

  • Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela

    2022 – Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela, Colombian drug lord (b.1939)

  • Colin Cantwell

    2022 – Colin Cantwell, American concept artist and director (b.1932)

  • Rupert Neudeck

    2016 – Rupert Neudeck, German journalist and humanitarian (b. 1939)

  • Carla Lane

    2016 – Carla Lane, English television writer (b. 1928)

  • Mary Soames

    2014 – Mary Soames, Baroness Soames, English author (b. 1922)

  • Martha Hyer

    2014 – Martha Hyer, American actress (b. 1924)

  • Marinho Chagas

    2014 – Marinho Chagas, Brazilian footballer and coach (b. 1952)

  • Jean Stapleton

    2013 – Jean Stapleton, American actress (b. 1923)

  • Tim Samaras

    2013 – Tim Samaras, American engineer and storm chaser (b. 1957)