1513day.year
Having spotted land on March 27, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León comes ashore on what is now the U.S. state of Florida, landing somewhere between the modern city of St. Augustine and the mouth of the St. Johns River.
Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León makes the first recorded European landing in Florida, marking Spain's claim to the region.
On April 2, 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León and his expedition made landfall on the coast of what is now Florida.
They had first sighted land five days earlier on March 27.
Ponce de León went ashore between present-day St. Augustine and the St. Johns River.
This voyage was part of Spain's search for new territories and mythical sources of wealth such as the Fountain of Youth.
His landing marked the beginning of European interest and colonization in the region that would become the southeastern United States.
Although the exact landing spot remains debated, the event solidified Spain's claim to Florida under the Treaty of Tordesillas.
Ponce de León's expedition paved the way for future Spanish settlements and exploration in the New World.
1513
Juan Ponce de León
U.S. state
Florida
St. Augustine
St. Johns River
2012day.year
A mass shooting at Oikos University in California leaves seven people dead and three injured.
On April 2, 2012, a mass shooting at Oikos University in Oakland, California, left seven dead and three injured.
A tragic mass shooting occurred at Oikos University in Oakland, California, on April 2, 2012, when a gunman opened fire inside campus grounds. Seven students and staff members lost their lives, and three others sustained injuries before the assailant was apprehended by responding officers. The shooter, a former nursing student, reportedly targeted faculty in retaliation for academic grievances. The incident shook the local community, prompting debates on campus security measures and mental health support for students. In its aftermath, the university and local authorities reevaluated emergency protocols to enhance protection in educational institutions.
2012
mass shooting at Oikos University in California
2014day.year
A spree shooting occurs at the Fort Hood army base in Texas, with four dead, including the gunman, and 16 others injured.
On April 2, 2014, a spree shooting at Fort Hood army base in Texas resulted in four deaths, including the gunman, and left 16 people injured.
At Fort Hood, Texas, a gunman opened fire on April 2, 2014, targeting soldiers outside the medical clinic on base. Four people, including the shooter, were killed, and sixteen others were wounded before on-duty personnel neutralized the threat. The assailant was identified as a private second class soldier struggling with mental health issues. His attack reignited discussions about PTSD support and security measures for service members on military installations. Army officials subsequently reviewed mental health screening and base policing protocols to prevent similar tragedies.
2014
spree shooting
Fort Hood
2015day.year
Four men steal items worth up to £200 million from an underground safe deposit facility in London's Hatton Garden area in what has been called the "largest burglary in English legal history."
In April 2015, four men carried out a high-stakes burglary at London's Hatton Garden, stealing up to £200 million in what became known as the largest burglary in English legal history.
On April 2, 2015, four men executed a meticulously planned burglary at the Hatton Garden safe deposit facility in London.
Under the cover of the Easter bank holiday weekend, they drilled through two meters of concrete to access the underground vault.
Using high-tech tools, the thieves stole jewelry, cash, and valuables worth up to £200 million.
The scale of the heist led it to be dubbed the largest burglary in English legal history.
Police launched Operation Venice, eventually arresting suspects and recovering a fraction of the stolen goods.
The incident captured public imagination, inspiring films and documentaries about the so-called Hatton Garden Heist.
steal
safe deposit
Hatton Garden
2021day.year
A Capitol Police officer is killed and another injured when an attacker rams his car into a barricade outside the United States Capitol.
On April 2, 2021, a vehicle rammed a security barrier at the United States Capitol, killing one Capitol Police officer and injuring another.
On April 2, 2021, an assailant drove a vehicle into a security checkpoint outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The crash killed Officer William Evans and injured a second officer guarding the perimeter of the legislative complex.
The suspect exited the vehicle and was immediately confronted and taken into custody by responding officers.
Authorities later linked the motive to extremist beliefs and ongoing threats against government institutions.
The incident prompted a review of security measures around the Capitol and renewed debate over protective funding.
Lawmakers and the public paid tribute to the fallen officer, emphasizing the risks faced by law enforcement.
Capitol Police
when an attacker rams his car into a barricade
United States Capitol
2024day.year
Viertola school shooting: A 12-year-old pupil is killed and two others injured by a shooter of the same age in Vantaa, Finland.
On April 2, 2024, a student gunman at a school in Vantaa, Finland, killed one pupil and injured two others.
On April 2, 2024, a 12-year-old pupil opened fire inside Viertola School in Vantaa, Finland.
The attack killed a fellow 12-year-old student and wounded two classmates before authorities apprehended the shooter.
Police transported the victims to hospital and secured the premises, bringing the incident to a swift close.
Finnish officials expressed shock, noting the rarity of school violence in the country.
The tragedy sparked a nationwide discussion on mental health support and school security measures.
Educators and parents called for enhanced counseling services to prevent future acts of violence.
2024
Viertola school shooting
Vantaa, Finland