January 17: What Happened on This Day in History
January 17th marks the 17th day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 348 days (349 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on January 17th in history, famous birthdays on January 17th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to January 17.
What happened on January 17?
Here's what happened on January 17th in history:
- 2022: The FBI identified a British citizen as the perpetrator in a hostage situation, highlighting ongoing security concerns and international law enforcement cooperation.
- 2020: Iraqi security forces opened fire on protesters at Sinak bridge in central Baghdad, resulting in at least two fatalities and dozens of injuries. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and violent suppression of public demonstrations in Iraq.
- 2019: A devastating suicide car bomb attack targeted the General Santander National Police Academy in Bogota, Colombia, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and over 50 injuries. The attack was a significant act of violence against Colombian law enforcement personnel.
- 2011: A terrorist blast destroyed a bus in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, resulting in the tragic death of 18 people.
- 2010: Sebastian Piñera was elected as the new president of Chile, marking a significant political transition in the country's democratic process.
- 2007: Art Buchwald, a celebrated American humorist and satirical columnist who significantly influenced political commentary through humor, passed away. Born in 1925, Buchwald was known for his witty and incisive writing that often critiqued American politics and society.
- 2001: Sophie Delezio, a young Australian who gained national attention due to severe burn injuries, becoming a symbol of resilience and medical recovery.
- 1998: Paula Jones formally accused President Bill Clinton of sexual harassment, a significant legal and political event that would later contribute to broader investigations into the president's personal conduct.
- 1996: On January 17, 1996, the Czech Republic formally submitted its application to become a member of the European Union, marking a significant step in the country's post-Communist integration with Western European institutions.
- 1993: Russian athlete Irina Privalova breaks the world record in the 300-meter indoor sprint, completing the distance in an impressive 35.45 seconds.
What famous birthdays are on January 17?
On January 17th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Michelle Obama]()
Michelle Obama (1964)Michelle Obama is a lawyer, author, and former First Lady of the United States, known for her advocacy of healthy living, education, and...
![Jim Carrey]()
Jim Carrey (1962)Iconic Canadian-American comedian and actor renowned for his exaggerated physical comedy and memorable roles in comedies like 'Ace Ventura',...
![Ryuichi Sakamoto]()
Ryuichi Sakamoto (1952)Renowned Japanese composer, pianist, and record producer, best known for his work with Yellow Magic Orchestra and his influential film...
![Betty White]()
Betty White (1922)Beloved American actress and television icon who was a pioneer in comedy and entertainment, best known for her roles in 'The Golden Girls'...
![James Earl Jones]()
James Earl Jones (1931)James Earl Jones is a legendary American actor renowned for his distinctive deep voice and iconic roles in Star Wars as Darth Vader and in...
![Eartha Kitt]()
Eartha Kitt (1927)Eartha Kitt was a legendary African American singer, actress, and activist known for her distinctive voice, iconic Catwoman role, and...
![Andy Kaufman]()
Andy Kaufman (1949)Iconic comedian and performance artist known for his surreal, avant-garde comedy style.
![Françoise Hardy]()
Françoise Hardy (1944)Renowned French singer, actress, and multi-talented artist known for her influential music in the 1960s and 1970s.
![Shabba Ranks]()
Shabba Ranks (1966)Jamaican dancehall artist who significantly influenced reggae music in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for his energetic performances...
![Zooey Deschanel]()
Zooey Deschanel (1980)Acclaimed actress and singer known for quirky comedy roles in films like 'Elf' and 'Almost Famous', and the TV series 'New Girl'.
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on January 17?
On January 17th the following celebrities died:
![Faten Hamama]()
Faten Hamama (2015)Iconic Egyptian actress and film producer who was a leading figure in the golden age of Egyptian cinema, known for her powerful performances...
![Virginia Mayo]()
Virginia Mayo (2005)A prominent Hollywood actress known for her roles in film noir and comedies during the Golden Age of cinema, Mayo was a celebrated star who...
![Richard Crenna]()
Richard Crenna (2003)Versatile American actor known for comedic roles in radio and television, particularly famous for his work in 'Our Miss Brooks' and later...
![Suchitra Sen]()
Suchitra Sen (2014)Legendary Bengali actress who was a prominent figure in Indian cinema during the 1950s and 1960s, known for her exceptional acting skills...
![Art Buchwald]()
Art Buchwald (2007)Pulitzer Prize-winning American columnist renowned for his witty and satirical writing style, known for his humorous and insightful...
![Barbara Britton]()
![Evelyn Nesbit]()
Evelyn Nesbit (1967)Evelyn Nesbit was a popular American model and actress in the early 20th century.
- Barbara Jordan (1996)
Barbara Jordan was a pioneering African American politician who made significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.
- Bobby Fischer (2008)
Legendary American chess grandmaster who became world champion during the Cold War, revolutionizing chess and becoming a global icon of...
What day of the year is January 17?
January 17th marks the 17th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 348 days remaining until the end of the year (or 349 days in case of leap years).
January 17th is the 17th day of the month of January.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day January 17?
The zodiac sign associated with January 17th is Capricorn according to the Western Zodiac.
