April 30

On April 30, 1989, a gunman carried out a random shooting spree in the suburb of Monkseaton in Tyne and Wear, England. The attacker wounded sixteen people and killed one before fleeing the scene. The incident sent shockwaves through the local community, raising concerns about gun control and public safety. Police launched a manhunt that would eventually lead to the suspect's arrest. Survivors and witnesses recounted the chaos and fear of that afternoon. The Monkseaton shootings prompted renewed debate on firearms legislation in the UK. It remains one of the most significant criminal incidents in the region's recent history.

David Copeland carried out a series of three nail bomb attacks across London targeting minority communities. On April 30, 1999, he planted his final device inside the Admiral Duncan, a well-known LGBTQ+ venue. The explosion killed three people and left 79 others injured, many with life-changing wounds. Authorities arrested Copeland shortly after he fled the scene, leading to his conviction for murder and terrorism. The case highlighted the growing threat of homegrown extremist violence in the UK. In response, law enforcement increased security measures at public gatherings and legislators reviewed hate crime legislation.

In St. Peter's Square, over 200,000 pilgrims gathered to witness Faustina Kowalska's elevation to sainthood. Known for her mystical visions of Jesus and her diary detailing the Divine Mercy devotion, Sister Faustina inspired a spiritual movement. Pope John Paul II presided over the ceremony, marking the first canonization of the new millennium. He also established the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday for all Catholics. The event reinforced themes of forgiveness, compassion, and trust in God's mercy. It sparked global observance of Divine Mercy devotion, with parishes worldwide participating in prayer and reconciliation.

During the annual Queen's Day celebrations, an assailant deliberately crashed a stolen car into marching musicians and spectators in Apeldoorn. The attack resulted in seven civilian fatalities before police shot and killed the driver. Ten people sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical. Queen Beatrix continued the festivities, underscoring national resilience in the face of violence. The incident prompted a review of security measures at public royal events. It also sparked discussions about mental health care and emergency response protocols in the Netherlands. In the aftermath, authorities increased protective details for large-scale gatherings to prevent similar tragedies.

Two improvised explosive devices detonated near the Xinjiang Science and Technology Museum in a busy commercial district of Ürümqi. The blasts killed three bystanders and wounded 79 people with shrapnel injuries. Authorities attributed the attack to separatist militants amid rising ethnic tensions in the region. Security forces launched a large-scale operation to apprehend suspects and increase patrols throughout the city. Hospitals treated dozens of victims for critical injuries and trauma. State media highlighted the need for vigilance against terrorism in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The incident prompted tighter security checks at public venues nationwide.