Stampede in Mecca
On July 2, 1990, a devastating stampede occurred in a pedestrian tunnel in Mecca during the Hajj pilgrimage, resulting in the deaths of 1,426 pilgrims. Many of the victims were from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan. This incident remains the deadliest Hajj tragedy in modern history. The Hajj pilgrimage, which attracts millions of Muslims to Mecca each year, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is mandatory for every able Muslim to perform at least once in their lifetime. The massive influx of pilgrims poses significant challenges for crowd control, contributing to several tragic incidents over the years.
Hitler Orders the Invasion of England
On July 2, 1940, Adolf Hitler officially ordered preparations for an invasion of England, codenamed Operation Sea Lion. Although discussions had taken place earlier, this marked the formal initiation of intelligence assessments and planning for the operation. In subsequent instructions, Hitler expressed his frustration with England’s refusal to seek an agreement and its continued role as a base for operations against Germany. He aimed to exploit the challenges faced by the British military and launch a swift attack to weaken the country into submission, potentially including a full occupation of England.
Other Key Events on This Day
- US President James A. Garfield Shot (1881): President Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C.
- Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan Disappeared (1937): The famous aviator and her navigator vanished while flying over the Pacific Ocean en route to Howland Island.
- Protest Clashes at Cairo University (2013): Sixteen people were killed and 200 injured during protests against Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi.
- BP Compensation Agreement (2015): BP agreed to pay $18.7 billion to the US government and Gulf states for the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
- Donald Trump Proposes to Marla Maples (1991): Trump proposed to Maples, presenting her with a 7.5-carat diamond ring.
- President Johnson Signs the Civil Rights Act (1964): The historic Civil Rights Act, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, was signed into law.
- Introduction of Currency Banknotes in Nigeria (1979): Nigeria introduced new ₦1, ₦5, and ₦10 banknotes.