In History, Today on December 29

A gunman opened fire at the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas, killing two people before being shot by a member of the congregation, raising discussions on gun control and church security.

AirAsia Flight QZ8501 was found in the Java Sea after disappearing two days earlier, with all 162 people on board confirmed dead.

A suicide bombing at a railway station in Volgograd, Russia, killed at least 18 people and injured dozens more, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.

The United Kingdom paid off the last of its World War II debts to the United States and Canada, marking the end of a financial obligation that had lasted over 60 years.

The United Nations launched a global appeal for aid following the devastating Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that occurred on December 26, 2004.

The last known speaker of the Akkala Sami language, Marja Sergina, passed away, marking the extinction of the language.

Hong Kong stock market plunged 8.7 percent, deepening the then-ongoing Asian financial crisis, and leading to significant losses globally.

Guatemala's government and the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity signed a peace accord, ending 36 years of civil war. This agreement marked a significant step towards peace and reconciliation in the country.

Václav Havel was elected the first non-Communist president of Czechoslovakia since 1948, following the Velvet Revolution, which peacefully ended Communist rule in the country.

A bomb exploded at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, killing 11 people and injuring 74 others. The attack remains unsolved, and it was one of the deadliest attacks in the U.S. during the 1970s.

The first known human to human kidney transplant with an unrelated donor was performed at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

KC2XAK of Bridgeport, Connecticut becomes the first ultra high frequency (UHF) television station to begin regular transmission, marking a significant advancement in television technology and broadcasting.

The German Luftwaffe conducted one of the most destructive air raids on London during the Blitz, known as the Second Great Fire of London. This raid caused extensive damage to the city and marked a significant moment in the Battle of Britain during World War II.

The Irish Free State was replaced by a new state called Ireland, following the adoption of a new constitution. This marked a significant step in Ireland's transition to a fully sovereign nation.

Japan renounced the Washington Naval Treaty, which had been established to limit naval armaments among major world powers. This decision was part of Japan's increasing militarization leading up to World War II.

The first section of the Trans-Siberian Railway was completed, significantly enhancing connectivity across Russia by linking the western city of Chelyabinsk with Vladivostok on the eastern coast. The railway played a crucial role in opening Siberia to more rapid settlement and commercial exploitation.

The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where U.S. Army troops killed approximately 150-300 Lakota Sioux, including women and children. This event marked the end of the Indian Wars in the United States.

The Republic of Texas was annexed by the United States, becoming the 28th state. This event was a pivotal moment in the expansion of the United States and contributed to tensions leading up to the Mexican-American War.

The Treaty of New Echota is signed, ceding Cherokee land to the United States in return for compensation, leading to the forced removal of the Cherokee people known as the Trail of Tears.

Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, is born.

Emperor Peter I of Russia issues a ukase (edict) that requires the Russian New Year to be celebrated on January 1, aligning with the Julian calendar instead of September 1.

The East India Company was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I of England. This charter allowed the company to trade in the East Indies, significantly impacting global trade patterns by establishing English colonial and trade dominance in Asia.

The Battle of Garigliano was fought between Spanish and French forces. As part of the Italian Wars, the Spanish under the command of Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba (also known as 'El Gran Capitán') secured a decisive victory against the French, strengthening Spanish influence in Italy.

Archduke Leopold III of Austria is killed at the Battle of Sempach.

Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by followers of King Henry II of England. This event followed a long-standing conflict between Becket and the king over the rights and privileges of the Church.

The coronation of Louis the Blind as King of Provence takes place.

Charles the Bald, King of West Francia, was crowned as Holy Roman Emperor by Pope John VIII.