On this Day in History: May 21

A closer look at key historic events that took place on May 21:

In 1991, Former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi, is assassinated

The assassination was carried out by a female suicide bomber named Thenmozhi Rajaratnam, also known as Dhanu, a member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization that was fighting for an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka. The attack occurred during an election campaign rally and resulted in the deaths of Rajiv Gandhi and at 14 others.

DEL04:INDIA-GANDHI-VERDICT:BHOPAL,INDIA,11MAY99 – FILE PHOTO 16 MAR91 – Former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi smiles in this March 16,1991 file photo. India’s Supreme Court on May 11 confirmed death sentences for four of the 26 people convicted of conspiring to assassinate Gandhi in May 1991. kk/Photo by Kamal Kishore REUTERS

In 1932, Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic
Earhart departed from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, Canada, and landed in a pasture near Derry, Northern Ireland. During the 15-hour flight, she faced strong northerly winds, icy conditions, and mechanical problems. She disappeared during her attempt to fly around the world five years later.

Amelia Earhart

In 1927, Charles Lindenberg becomes the first person to fly nonstop across the Atlantic

Lindbergh travelled from New York to Paris in the monoplane Spirit of Saint Louis. He flew approximately 5,800 kilometers over the course of 33.5 hours, facing numerous challenges including fatigue, navigation difficulties, and adverse weather conditions.

Charles A. Lindbergh, with Spirit of St. Louis in background, May 31, 1927. Library of Congress

In 1904, FIFA is founded

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association was established in Paris, France on May 21 and is responsible for organizing the FIFA World Cup.