January 2: What Happened on This Day in History

• 2020: Iranian general Qasem Soleimani was killed in a targeted US drone strike in Baghdad on January 3, 2020, under the direct orders of President Donald Trump. The airstrike was justified by the US administration as a preemptive measure against a perceived imminent threat, with President Trump claiming that Soleimani was responsible for killing or severely wounding thousands of Americans and was planning further attacks. The assassination marked a significant escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran, sparking international controversy and potential geopolitical repercussions.
• 2014: ISIS militants and armed tribesmen successfully took control of Fallujah, marking a significant escalation in the Iraqi insurgency and demonstrating the terrorist group's growing territorial influence.
• 2011: International mediators propose establishing a regional authority for Darfur as a diplomatic compromise, responding to Sudanese President Bashir's withdrawal from Doha talks.
• 2010: A significant petition was signed by 25% of Iceland's voters, urging President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson to veto a bill requiring the repayment of US$5 Billion to foreign savers affected by the collapse of Icelandic banks during the financial crisis.
• 2004: Paul Hopkins, born in 1904, was reported to be the oldest living former Major League Baseball player, representing a living connection to the early days of professional baseball.
• 1999: A severe winter storm struck the Midwestern United States, causing extreme cold and heavy snowfall. Milwaukee, Wisconsin experienced 14 inches (359 mm) of snow, while Chicago, Illinois was hit even harder with 19 inches (487 mm) of snow. Temperatures in Chicago plummeted to a dangerous -13 degrees Fahrenheit (-25 degrees Celsius), resulting in 68 reported fatalities. The storm's intensity was characterized by strong northeast winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts exceeding 50 mph along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
• 1998: The official autopsy of comedian Chris Farley revealed he died from a lethal combination of opiates and cocaine, marking a tragic end to the life of a beloved comedic actor known for his work on Saturday Night Live and in comedy films.
• 1995: In a thrilling college football match, South Carolina defeated West Virginia with a score of 24-21 in the Carquest Bowl, showcasing remarkable athletic performance and competitive spirit.
• 1993: Leaders of the three primary warring factions in Bosnia convened for critical peace discussions, marking a potential turning point in the complex Bosnian War. These negotiations represented a diplomatic effort to halt the ongoing ethnic conflict and find a peaceful resolution to the regional tensions.
• 1988: Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and US President Ronald Reagan signed the historic Canada-US Free Trade Agreement, a landmark economic pact that would significantly reshape trade relations between the two countries.

How to check someone's birthday?

If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide

January 2nd marks the 2nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.

There are 363 days remaining until the end of the year (or 364 days in case of leap years).

January 2nd is the 2nd day of the month of January.

What day of the week is January 2?

On January 2nd, 2025 the day of the week is Thursday.

Holidays and Observances on January 2

The zodiac sign associated with January 2nd is Capricorn according to the Western Zodiac.

More about January 2 zodiac

What is special about the Capricorn sign?

• Capricorn personality traits and attitude
• Capricorn most and least compatible signs
• Why January born are so special