Today in History: December 4 marks the anniversary of the Pizzagate shooting incident.

Today, December 4, marks the 338th day of 2025, with only 27 days remaining in the year. This date holds significant historical events that continue to resonate in American society and culture.

On December 4, 2016, Edgar Maddison Welch, a North Carolina man, discharged multiple rounds from an assault rifle inside Comet Ping Pong, a pizza establishment in Washington, D.C. Welch had acted in pursuit of debunked conspiracy theories suggesting that high-profile Democrats were involved in child trafficking within the pizzeria. Fortunately, no injuries occurred during the incident, and Welch eventually surrendered to law enforcement. He received a four-year prison sentence for his actions. Tragically, Welch was fatally shot by police during a traffic stop in 2025, an event during which he reportedly brandished a firearm at officers.

In a reflection of historical military leadership, this date is also notable for General George Washington’s farewell to his Continental Army officers in 1783. The event took place at Fraunces Tavern in New York City, symbolizing the conclusion of the Revolutionary War and Washington’s transition from military to civilian life.

Musically, December 4 has its own significance, as 1956 marked the famed “Million Dollar Quartet” session at Sun Records in Memphis, which brought together legendary artists Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for a unique jam session that has since remained iconic in the annals of music history.

The year 1964 saw a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement when approximately 800 students at the University of California, Berkeley were apprehended after staging a sit-in protest against restrictions on political expression within the university system.

Another historical highlight occurred in 1965, when the United States launched Gemini 7, featuring Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Frank Borman and Navy Commander James A. Lovell. This crew embarked on a two-week mission, with their spacecraft later achieving a historic rendezvous with Gemini 6A.

Additionally, December 4 has seen tragedies such as the 1969 police raid that resulted in the deaths of Fred Hampton and Mark Clark of the Black Panther Party in Chicago, symbolizing the ongoing struggles for African American rights.

In contemporary history, 2024 was marked by the shooting death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a Manhattan sidewalk, a violent incident that shook the corporate community. This year also witnessed political upheaval in France, resulting in Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s resignation following a no-confidence vote prompted by budgetary disputes.

Today’s note-worthy birthdays include actors Max Baer Jr. at 88, Gemma Jones at 83, and Jeff Bridges at 76, among numerous other prominent figures in entertainment and sports.

In summary, December 4 is a date steeped in a rich tapestry of historical events, cultural milestones, and personal achievements that reflect the complexities of American life and its enduring legacy.