On This Day

Provisional Irish Republican Army launches a mortar attack on 10 Downing Street during a cabinet meeting in an attempt t

Provisional Irish Republican Army launches a mortar attack on 10 Downing Street during a cabinet meeting in an attempt to assassinate UK Prime Minister John Major, injuring four people

The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) launched three homemade mortar shells at 10 Downing Street, London, the headquarters of the British government, on 7 February 1991. The goal was to assassinate Prime Minister John Major and his war cabinet, who were meeting to discuss the Gulf War.

One of the 140 pound (64 kg) mortar shells exploded in the back garden of Number 10, a few yards from the Cabinet Office. Due to the presence of bomb-resistant windows, none of the cabinet were hurt, though four other people received minor injuries, including two Metropolitan Police officers. The other two shells overshot Downing Street and landed on a green nearby.

Historical Significance

The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) launched three homemade mortar shells at 10 Downing Street, London, the headquarters of the British government, on 7 February 1991.

Key People

John Major

– present

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  3. NFL coach Jimmy Johnson (46) divorces Linda Kay Cooper after 26 years of marriage

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  4. John McEnroe becomes the first player to be expelled from the Australian Open

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  5. Actor Michael Keaton (38) divorces actress Caroline McWilliams (44) after 7 years of marriage

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Events After

  1. Grace Hopper dies

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  2. MLB baseball right fielder Sammy Sosa (23) weds Sonia Rodriguez

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  3. The Maastricht Treaty is signed by 12 countries from the European Community (EC) to create the European Union (EU)

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  4. American record producer Lou Adler (58) weds American actress Page Hannah (27) (Daryl's sister)

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  5. NHL players begin first strike in 75-year history; 10 day action earns large playoff bonus increase, more control over l

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on February 7, 1991?
The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) launched three homemade mortar shells at 10 Downing Street, London, the headquarters of the British government, on 7 February 1991. The goal was to assassinate Prime Minister John Major and his war cabinet, who were meeting to discuss the Gulf War. One of the 140 pound (64 kg) mortar shells exploded in the back garden of Number 10, a few yards from the Cabinet Office.
Why is Provisional Irish Republican Army launches a mortar attack on 10 Downing Stre... significant?
The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) launched three homemade mortar shells at 10 Downing Street, London, the headquarters of the British government, on 7 February 1991.
Who was involved in Provisional Irish Republican Army launches a mortar attack on 10 Downing Stre...?
Key figures include John Major.

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