People and Events on July 14, 2002

No famous people were born on this date, but there may be notable events you would find interesting below.

A Day of Escapes: July 14th, 2002

On July 14th, 2002, the world witnessed a series of remarkable events that showcased resilience, innovation, and the undying spirit of humanity. From a daring escape to a milestone in scientific exploration, this day etched its place in history.

A Brush with Death: Jacques Chirac's Narrow Escape

One of the most significant events on this day was the failed assassination attempt on French President Jacques Chirac. During the Bastille Day military parade in Paris, a lone gunman, Maxime Brunerie, fired a shot at the President's motorcade. Luckily, Chirac escaped unharmed, and the would-be assassin was later arrested and convicted.

Space Exploration Reaches New Heights

Meanwhile, NASA's Contour spacecraft was launched on this day, embarking on a mission to explore the comet Encke. This pioneering endeavor aimed to study the comet's composition and gain valuable insights into the formation of our solar system.

Birthdays of Visionaries

July 14th, 2002, also marked the birthdays of two influential figures who left an indelible mark on their respective fields. Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, better known as Kid Cudi, the American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer, was born on this day. Also sharing this birthday is Matthew Webster, the Australian rules footballer, who has made significant contributions to his sport.

Celebrating Human Ingenuity

In the world of technology, July 14th, 2002, saw the release of the first version of the popular web browser, Mozilla Firefox. This open-source software has since become a staple of modern computing, providing users with a fast, secure, and customizable browsing experience.

As we look back on this momentous day, we are reminded of the power of human resilience, ingenuity, and exploration. From the narrow escape of a world leader to the pursuit of scientific discovery, July 14th, 2002, will be etched in history as a day of triumph and innovation.

Noteworthy Events on this Day:
23 years ago
French President Jacques Chirac escapes assassination attempt (Champs-Élysées, Paris, 75008, France) 2002
French President Jacques Chirac's life was on the line as a gun-wielding Maxime Brunerie emerged from the crowd on the prestigious Champs-Élysées avenue during the Bastille Day parade. The would-be assassin, a 25-year-old right-wing extremist, pointed his rifle at the presidential stage, ready to fire. In a stunning display of quick reflexes, presidential security swiftly intervened, tackling Brunerie to the ground mere seconds before catastrophe struck. Chirac, oblivious to the danger, continued waving to the cheering crowds, unaware of the narrow escape he'd just had. This daring attempt on the French President's life would later reveal brunerie's links to neo-Nazi groups, sparking a nationwide debate on far-right extremism.