April 20

In 1828, French explorer René Caillié completed a perilous journey across the Sahara to enter the legendary city of Timbuktu. Disguised as a Muslim merchant, he followed in the footsteps of Major Gordon Laing but achieved what Laing could not: a safe return. Caillié’s expedition was funded by the Société de Géographie and aimed to uncover the truth behind tales of Timbuktu’s immense wealth. His first-hand account and detailed observations provided Europe with unprecedented insights into West African culture, trade routes, and architecture. The successful return of Caillié’s caravan marked a milestone in the age of exploration and challenged contemporary perceptions of Africa’s interior.

On April 20, 1999, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, students at Columbine High School in Colorado, launched a meticulously planned attack on their peers and faculty. They planted bombs in the cafeteria and then opened fire, targeting classmates and teachers as they moved through the school. Over the course of approximately 49 minutes, the pair killed 12 students and one teacher, injuring 23 others, before committing suicide in the library. The Columbine massacre stunned the nation and became a pivotal moment in discussions about school safety, gun control, and youth violence. It prompted widespread changes to emergency response procedures and the adoption of zero-tolerance policies in schools across the United States.

On April 20, 2007, William Phillips, a former NASA contractor, entered Building 44 at the Johnson Space Center in Houston armed with a handgun. He barricaded himself inside and took a male colleague hostage, demanding to speak with NASA officials. After a tense standoff with law enforcement, Phillips fatally shot his hostage before turning the gun on himself. The facility was placed on lockdown, and operations were briefly suspended as investigators secured the scene. The incident raised concerns over security protocols and mental health support for personnel at high-stress government facilities.