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What happened on May 2nd?
US forces struck a major blow to terrorism
Matthew Jones
May 02, 2025
On May 2, 2011, US Navy SEALs launched a covert raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, killing the al-Qaeda leader and several others. The operation, codenamed Neptune Spear, ended a decade-long manhunt and marked a pivotal moment in the fight against terrorism. Bin Laden’s death was seen as a significant victory for the United States, bringing closure to the 9/11 attacks and signaling the weakening of al-Qaeda.
This is the photo of Osama bin Laden taken between March 1997 and May 1998.
🗞️Today’s Headlines
Everything important that’s ever happened on May 2:
2000 — US President Bill Clinton announced that the government would make highly accurate GPS signals available to the public, a move that revolutionized personal navigation.
1997 — Tony Blair became the United Kingdom’s prime minister after leading the Labour Party to victory in the general election.
1946 — Six inmates at Alcatraz attempted to escape, resulting in violent clashes with guards over two days.
1920 — The Negro National League held its first baseball game, a significant step for African-American sports.
1803 — The United States completed the Louisiana Purchase from France for $15 million, acquiring 828,000 square miles of land.
1611 — The King James Version of the Bible was first published, becoming one of the most influential translations in Christian history.
🎂 Today’s Birthdays
On May 2, we’re singing to:
Catherine the Great (1729) — Russian empress who expanded the empire and championed Westernization.
Dwayne Johnson (1972) — Wrestler and actor famous for his roles in The Scorpion King and Fast & Furious.
David Beckham (1975) — Football legend known for his success with Manchester United and the England national team.
James Dyson (1947) — British inventor who revolutionized vacuum cleaners with his bagless technology.
Donatella Versace (1955) — Italian fashion designer known for bold, glamorous collections at Versace.
🪦Who Died Today?
On May 2, we’re saying goodbye to:
Leonardo da Vinci (1519) — Italian polymath whose works in art and science left a lasting legacy.
J. Edgar Hoover (1972) — First Director of the FBI, responsible for shaping its role in law enforcement and national security.
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