1998⚡ Event
Suharto resigns as Indonesian president
Indonesian president Suharto resigned after a collapse of support for his presidency amid economic and political crises. His resignation ended 32 years of authoritarian rule.
politicseconomics
What Happened on May 21?
Browse 15 historical entries recorded for May 21 — 5 events, 5 births, and 5 deaths.
politicsentertainmentmusicdisastersportseconomicswarliterature
Image retrieved via Wikipedia: Elena Huelva
Historical Events on May 21(5)
2005⚡ Event
Kingda Ka roller coaster opens
The world's tallest roller coaster, Kingda Ka, opened at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. It offered thrill-seekers an unprecedented ride experience.
entertainment
2014⚡ Event
Taipei Metro stabbing attack
A man carried out a stabbing spree on a Taipei Metro train, killing four people and injuring 24 others. The incident caused widespread shock and calls for improved security.
disaster
2015⚡ Event
Islamic State seizes Palmyra
Islamic State militants entered the ancient city of Palmyra. This marked a significant territorial gain for the group in Syria.
war
2024⚡ Event
Greenfield tornado
The Greenfield tornado, estimated to have produced winds in excess of 309 miles per hour, moved across Iowa.
disaster
Birthdays on May 21(5)
Deaths on May 21(5)
2019🕊️ Death
Rik Kuypers
Belgian film director Rik Kuypers died. He was born in 1925.
entertainment
2019🕊️ Death
Binyavanga Wainaina
Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina died. He was born in 1971.
literature
2020🕊️ Death
Alan Merten
Alan Merten, the fifth President of George Mason University, died. He was born in 1941.
politics
2024🕊️ Death
Jan A. P. Kaczmarek
Polish composer Jan A. P. Kaczmarek died. He was born in 1953.
music
2025🕊️ Death
Gerry Connolly
American politician and U.S. Representative from Virginia's 11th congressional district.
politics
May 21 in History
May 21 is home to 15 recorded historical entries in our collection: 5 events, 5 births, and 5 deaths. These counts describe the current collection, not every historical occurrence associated with this date.
Events on May 21
Examples currently recorded for May 21 include Suharto resigns as Indonesian president (1998), Kingda Ka roller coaster opens (2005), Taipei Metro stabbing attack (2014). View all events →
Birthdays on May 21
People recorded as born on May 21 include Ivan De Santis, Sisca Folkertsma, Viktoria Petryk. View all birthdays →
Deaths on May 21
Remembered figures who died on May 21 include Rik Kuypers, Binyavanga Wainaina, Alan Merten. View all →
Browse what happened on May 20 or May 22, explore the full month of May, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on May 21?
- The DayFacts collection currently has 15 entries for May 21: 5 events, 5 births, and 5 deaths.
- Which historical event is included for May 21?
- One event currently recorded for May 21 is: Suharto resigns as Indonesian president.
- Who was born on May 21?
- People recorded as born on May 21 include Ivan De Santis, Sisca Folkertsma, Viktoria Petryk.
- How many historical events are recorded for May 21?
- The current DayFacts collection records 5 historical events for May 21.
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