February 19

On February 19, 2012, a violent melee broke out among rival inmate groups at the Apodaca prison in Nuevo León, Mexico. Tensions over gang territories and overcrowding escalated into hours of fighting. Prisoners used improvised weapons and makeshift arms in the deadly confrontation. Local authorities intervened to restore order but not before 44 inmates lost their lives and dozens more were injured. The incident prompted an official investigation into security lapses, gang control, and the conditions within the Mexican penitentiary system. Calls for reform and improved oversight followed as the tragedy highlighted the risks of inmate unrest.

On February 19, 2020, a gunman carried out two coordinated shootings at shisha bars in Hanau, Hesse, Germany, targeting individuals with immigrant backgrounds. The attacker, motivated by far-right extremist beliefs, killed nine people and critically injured others before returning home. Security forces later discovered the suspect’s body, along with a manifesto outlining his xenophobic motives. The attacks ignited nationwide mourning and spurred intense debate on the rise of right-wing extremism in Germany. Chancellor Angela Merkel and other leaders condemned the violence, calling for unity against hate. The tragedy led to increased security measures at public venues and renewed efforts to combat extremist ideologies.