This Day in History for August 12

Six people, including the perpetrator, were killed in a mass shooting in…
AUG 12 Wednesday 2026
Featured event 2021

Six people, including the perpetrator, were killed in a mass shooting in…

Six people, including the perpetrator, were killed in a mass shooting in Plymouth, England.

Notable Births

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Notable Deaths

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On This Day Quote

“Well done is better than well said.”

— Benjamin Franklin
ClockHorizon daily selection

What happened on this day

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  1. 2021
    Six people, five victims and the perpetrator are killed in Keyham, Plymouth in…

    Six people, five victims and the perpetrator are killed in Keyham, Plymouth in the worst mass shooting in the UK since 2010.

  2. 2018
    Thirty-nine civilians, including a dozen children, are killed in an explosion at…

    Thirty-nine civilians, including a dozen children, are killed in an explosion at a weapons depot in Sarmada, Syria.

  3. 2017
    The Unite the Right rally occurs in Charlottesville

    The Unite the Right rally occurs in Charlottesville, Virginia, leading to three deaths and injuring nearly 50 more.

  4. 2016
    Syrian civil war

    Syrian civil war: The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) capture the city of Manbij from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

  5. 2015
    Tianjin explosions

    At least two massive explosions kill 173 people and injure nearly 800 more in Tianjin, China.

View full historical timeline (40 events)

On This Day Quote

“Well done is better than well said.”

— Benjamin Franklin

People born today

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on August 12?

One highlighted entry is from 2021: Six people, including the perpetrator, were killed in a mass shooting in Plymouth, England.

Who was born on August 12?

People listed for August 12 include Dixie D'Amelio (2001), Matthijs de Ligt (1999), and Jule Niemeier (1999).

What observances fall on August 12?

Observances listed for August 12 include International Youth Day (United Nations), Christian feast day: August 12 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics), and Christian feast day: Blessed Karl Leisner.

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