September 5th, 2008

Today in History

1983:
Tom Brokaw becomes lead anchor for NBC Nightly News

1975:
In Sacramento, California, a follower of incarcerated cult leader Charles Manson named Lynette Fromme attempts to assassinate U.S. President Gerald Ford, but is thwarted by a Secret Service agent.

1949:
A former sharpshooter in World War II, Howard Unruh kills 13 neighbors in Camden, New Jersey, with a souvenir Luger to become the first U.S. single-episode mass murderer.

1939:
World War II: The United States declares its neutrality in the war.

1774:
First Continental Congress assembles in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.