April 26

On April 26, 2002, 19-year-old Robert Steinhäuser entered the Gutenberg-Gymnasium in Erfurt armed with a shotgun. He fatally shot 12 teachers, two students, and two school staff members in a targeted rampage. After his attack, Steinhäuser took his own life as police arrived at the scene. The tragedy shocked Germany and sparked nationwide debates on gun control and school security. In its aftermath, authorities implemented stricter firearm regulations and improved emergency protocols in schools. Memorials were established to honor the victims and promote awareness of school violence prevention.

On April 26, 2025, a vehicle sped into a crowd at a Lapu-Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver, Canada. The assault claimed 11 lives and left over 30 attendees with injuries ranging from minor to critical. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with festival-goers scrambling for cover amid the sudden crash. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, transporting victims to nearby hospitals and securing the area. Authorities launched a criminal investigation to determine the motive and potential links to extremist ideology. The tragedy prompted calls for enhanced security measures at public gatherings nationwide.