History Today: When Armenia's PM was killed during a shooting inside Parliament

The world watched in horror when five armed men opened fire inside Armenia’s National Assembly in Yerevan on October 27 1999. Eight people were killed in the attack, including then-Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsyan and Parliament Speaker Karen Demirchyan.

If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers’ ongoing series,  History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events.

On this day in 1904, the New York City Subway officially opened, marking a transformative moment in urban transportation.

Here is all that happened on this day over the years.

Shooting in the Armenian Parliament

Armenia’s National Assembly in Yerevan was the site of a devastating attack on October 27, 1999, when five armed men stormed the parliament building during a session and opened fire. At least eight people were killed, including Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsyan and Parliament Speaker Karen Demirchyan.

The gunmen, led by a former journalist, Nairi Hunanyan, took approximately 50 hostages during the attack. They claimed to be acting on their own initiative, describing their actions as a necessary response to the government’s corruption and mismanagement. The assault lasted several hours, and the attackers eventually surrendered the following day after negotiations with President Robert Kocharian.

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The tragic event had profound implications for Armenia’s political landscape. It led to a consolidation of power under President Kocharian, who was able to dismantle the emerging democratic institutions and weaken the opposition. The attack remains a subject of numerous conspiracy theories, with some speculating about the involvement of higher political forces, though no convincing evidence has surfaced to suggest that any political leader or party was behind the attack.

In the aftermath, the victims were honoured posthumously, and a memorial was installed in the National Assembly park on the tenth anniversary of the attack.

The New York City subway opened for the first time

The opening of the New York City Subway saw people from all parts of the city come together to witness it. In 1904, the subway was opened and the first line ran from City Hall in Lower Manhattan to 145th Street in Harlem, covering approximately 9.1 miles (14.64 kilometres) with 28 stations.

Operated by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT), the subway was the result of years of planning and engineering innovation. At the turn of the 20th century, New York City faced severe traffic congestion due to horse-drawn carriages, streetcars, and a rapidly growing population. City planners sought a solution that could efficiently move large numbers of people and support the city’s expansion northward. The subway’s construction involved extensive tunnelling under streets and rivers, a feat that required careful engineering to avoid disrupting existing infrastructure.

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The opening day drew thousands of eager passengers, many of whom had never experienced underground travel. The subway offered a clean, reliable, and relatively fast mode of transportation compared to the crowded streets above. Electric trains replaced earlier proposals for steam-powered transit, making the system safer, quieter, and more efficient.

Beyond transportation, the subway profoundly impacted New York City’s development. It enabled residential and commercial growth in previously hard-to-reach neighbourhoods, fostering economic expansion and urban density. Over time, the subway system expanded to multiple lines, connecting Manhattan with Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, becoming the backbone of the city’s public transit network.

The opening of the New York City Subway also inspired other cities worldwide to invest in underground transit, demonstrating the feasibility and advantages of rapid urban rail systems. More than a century later, the subway remains a vital part of daily life for millions.

This Day, That Year

• In 1961, the first Saturn rocket was successfully launched.

• Christopher Columbus sailed to Cuba and claimed the island for Spain in 1492.