April 09

On April 9, 2011, a lone gunman opened fire in the Atrium shopping center in Alphen aan den Rijn, Netherlands. The attack resulted in six victims and the shooter dying by suicide, while 17 people were injured. Shoppers and mall employees were shocked as the assailant targeted individuals at random, prompting swift police response. The tragedy revived debates in the Netherlands over gun control and mental health support. Memorials and tributes were held to honor the victims, and security measures in public spaces were reevaluated in its aftermath.

On April 9, 2013, a 60-year-old man in Velika Ivanča, Serbia, opened fire across his village, killing 13 neighbors and injuring three others before taking his own life. The shooter targeted multiple homes in a premeditated attack that shocked the small community. Authorities described the event as one of Serbia’s deadliest post-Yugoslav era crimes, raising questions about mental health services and rural policing. Local residents held vigils and called for support for the victims' families. The massacre led to national discussions on firearms regulation and community safety measures.

On April 9, 2014, a 16-year-old student armed with two kitchen knives began stabbing students and teachers in the cafeteria of Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville, Pennsylvania. School staff and first responders intervened quickly, subduing the attacker and administering aid to the wounded. Of the 20 injured, several suffered life-threatening wounds but later recovered. The incident reignited debates in the United States over school security measures and mental health awareness. Legislative proposals were introduced to improve threat assessment teams and enhance resources for troubled youth following the attack.

On April 9, 2017, coordinated suicide bombings targeted St. George's Church in Tanta and Saint Mark's Cathedral in Alexandria, Egypt, on one of the holiest days in the Coptic Christian calendar. At least 45 worshippers were killed and over 120 injured as crowds gathered for Palm Sunday processions. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility, framing the attacks as part of sectarian violence. The bombings prompted nationwide mourning, increased security at religious sites, and international condemnation. Egypt’s government declared a period of national mourning and vowed to protect minority communities.