Wikipedia contributors. “Norrmalmstorg Robbery.” Wikipedia, 23 Aug. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norrmalmstorg_robbery.

Prominent example of a major hostage crisis in the United States, involving the seizure of 66 American diplomats and citizens by Iranian militants at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, who were held for 444 days until their release on January 20, 1981.

The Ocean National Bank robbery in June 1869, in Manhattan, New York City, was one of the largest heists in the city's history at that time, with George Leonidas Leslie's gang stealing roughly $768,000. The meticulously planned heist involved a three-month preparation period, a replica vault for practice, and access gained by drilling through the bank's floor from a rented basement space. The robbery was masterminded by Leslie, a former architect, and financed by the notorious fence Fredericka Mandelbaum. 

Emily L and Priscilla R.

April 4th, 1991

4 gunman held 41 customers and employees hostage at a “Good Guys!” Electronic store in Sacramento, California. They did not have a set list of demands ranging from money and helicopters. The negotiation lasted 8 hours and resulted in 6 deaths, 3 of the hostages and 3 of the suspects. The 4th suspect was captured and 14 hostages were left injured.

Near the end of the hostage crisis, six people were killed: three hostages and three of the four hostage-takers. The fourth hostage-taker was captured by authorities, and an additional 14 hostages were injured during the crisis. This hostage crisis remains the largest hostage rescue operation in US history, with over 40 hostages having been held at gunpoint

February 6th, 1996 In sand island, Honolulu, Hawaii, 28 year old John Miranda took hostages at his old job of employment, The Seal Masters Of Hawaii building. Miranda was previously working at the building but got fired 8 months prior to the crisis. He was enraged over having no money or job, he also accused the company higher ups of racism and firing him solely because the was Hawaiian/Puerto Rican. Miranda was armed with a sawed off shotgun and a knife, as he entered he demanded 20,000$ in cash from the company. As the police were called Miranda took 5 employees working in the building as hostage, one of them being his former supervisor/ vice president of the company. During this crisis 2 hostages were injured, one seriously, but Miranda was the only Fatality. Miranda opened fire with his shotgun and shot George once in the leg. Nearly half of his leg was blown off. During negotiation Miranda dragged George to an open window to show police he was already shot, he than threatened that the had do intention of peacefully surrendering. At some point, Miranda was focused on something else and George climbed out the same open window, and fell 10 feet to the ground below. Around 2:30 p.m., John Miranda stood with one of his hostages McNeil in the street surrounded by police. As Miranda reached for his gun to kill McNeil The police shot him in the chest, and passed away. A few Weeks after the hostage event, he was found to have murdered his former girlfriend prior to the crisis.

November 4, 1979

Iranian students took over the U.S. Embassy

In Tehran and captured 52 Americans. They were

Angry because the United States let Iran’s former

leader, the Shah, come to America for medical care. The

Hostages were held for 444 days in tough conditions. They

were finally released on January 20, 1981, the day Ronald Reagan

Became president.

Date: August 8, 1963

Location: Buckinghamshire, England

A gang of 15 men, led by Bruce Reynolds, stopped a Royal Mail train traveling from Glasgow to London. The train was carrying millions of pounds in used banknotes. Using a false signal light to stop the train, the robbers overpowered the driver and crew. They then unloaded 120 mail bags containing £2.6 million which is equivalent to over £50 million today and escaped to a nearby hideout.