May 07

On May 7, 1931, Francis Crowley, a leading figure in New York's criminal underworld, sparked a high-profile standoff with approximately 300 members of the New York Police Department. The siege began when officers attempted to apprehend Crowley at his fifth-floor apartment on West 91st Street. Armed with stolen weaponry, Crowley engaged in a prolonged exchange of gunfire, injuring multiple officers and onlookers. The confrontation attracted intense media coverage, with crowds gathering to witness the drama. After several hours, the police used tear gas to subdue Crowley and bring the ordeal to an end. The incident highlighted challenges in urban law enforcement and led to revisions in police tactics and equipment. Crowley was convicted and later executed, but the 1931 stand-off remains a notorious chapter in New York crime history.

On May 7, 1992, three staff members at a McDonald's restaurant in Sydney, Nova Scotia, were fatally shot during an attempted robbery. A fourth victim was severely wounded and suffered permanent disability. The assailants' violent attack shocked the local community and drew national attention. It became known as Canada's first "fast-food murder." The crime prompted increased security measures in fast-food outlets across the country. Investigations led to arrests and convictions of the perpetrators. The incident raised public awareness about workplace safety in the service industry. Memorials and vigils were held to honor the victims and support their families.