Beltway sniper attacks begin. A series of coordinated sniper attacks occurred in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The attacks lasted 3 weeks and resulted in the killing of 10 people.

Carandiru massacre. A prison riot in Carandiru Penitentiary, Brazil, led to the killing of over 100 inmates by the police.

Guinea declares independence. Guinea declared its independence from France.

Peanuts published for the first time. Charles M. Schulz's comic strip, Peanuts, was printed for the first time in 9 newspapers around the U.S.

Battle of Gonzales. The first military engagement of the Texas War of Independence, the Battle of Gonzales, occurred on this day between Texas rebels and Mexican troops. This battle marked the beginning of Texas' War of Independence, which resulted in the establishment of the Republic of Texas.