September 04

On the evening of 4 September 1977, three armed members of the Joe Boys gang entered the Golden Dragon restaurant in San Francisco’s Chinatown and opened fire. The attack, fueled by a blood feud with the Wah Ching gang, left five diners dead and eleven wounded. Victims included both gang affiliates and innocent bystanders seated in the restaurant. The massacre prompted one of the largest police investigations in the city’s history, leading to several arrests and convictions. Key figures such as Peter Ng, Michael Cheung, and Wayne Kwong were later found guilty and received lengthy prison sentences. The incident exposed the reach of organized crime in the city’s Asian communities and spurred efforts to curb gang violence. To this day, the Golden Dragon massacre remains one of the deadliest single occurrences of Chinatown violence in U.S. history.

Joseph Ratzinger, serving as Pope Benedict XVI from 2005 until his resignation in 2013, celebrated this milestone while living in papal retirement at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in Vatican City. His longevity broke the previous record held by Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903 at age 93 years and 2 months. Benedict’s extended life allowed him a unique place in modern Church history, remaining an influential theologian through personal writings and occasional public statements. Observers noted the significance of a pope emeritus witnessing profound changes within the Church and the world. His milestone underscored advances in global health and living standards among world leaders. Catholic faithful and historians viewed the record as a testament to his enduring legacy in Church governance and doctrinal scholarship. The anniversary inspired reflection on his papal reforms, interfaith dialogue efforts, and contributions to Catholic doctrine.

In early morning hours, an assailant began a series of violent attacks along Highway 3 on the James Smith Cree Nation, moving later to the town of Weldon. The rampage resulted in ten fatalities and fifteen injuries, making it one of Canada’s deadliest mass killings. RCMP officers launched one of the largest manhunts in provincial history to locate the suspect, who was identified as Myles Sanderson. He was later found deceased in police custody after being apprehended the following day. The violence shocked local Indigenous and rural communities, prompting calls for improved policing and mental health support. Survivors and families of victims organized vigils to honor those lost and to demand justice. The incident sparked national debate about public safety, rural emergency response, and support for Indigenous communities in crisis.

On the afternoon of September 4, 2024, during school hours, a 14-year-old student opened fire at Apalachee High School near Winder, Georgia. Armed with a handgun, the shooter killed four individuals and wounded seven others, including students and faculty. Law enforcement officers arrived within minutes, apprehending the suspect and securing the campus. Emergency responders transported the injured to nearby hospitals as the community grappled with shock and grief. Investigators are examining the shooter’s background and motives amid national debates over school safety and gun control. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Jackson County School District has implemented enhanced security measures and provided counseling services to support those affected.