October 31: What Happened on This Day in History

• 2017: On October 31, 2017, a horrific terrorist attack occurred in Lower Manhattan when a 29-year-old Uzbekistani immigrant, Sayfullo Saipov, drove a rented pickup truck down a bike path on the West Side Highway, killing eight people and injuring at least eleven others. The suspect was shot and arrested by police, who immediately treated the incident as an act of terrorism.
• 2016: Eight members of the Students Islamic Movement of India escaped from Bhopal prison and were subsequently killed by police during an encounter.
• 2015: The newly formed Democratic Forces of Syria (DFS), supported by the United States, initiated a military offensive against Islamic State forces in the Hasaka region of northeastern Syria, representing a significant moment in the ongoing Syrian conflict.
• 2012: In Damascus, an opposition force targeted a Syrian Air Force commander. Simultaneously, rebel Free Syrian Army leaders initiated negotiations with Kurdish representatives to resolve ongoing conflicts in northern Syria, which had resulted in hundreds of hostages taken and over 40 fighters killed.
• 2009: Qian Xuesen, a pioneering Chinese scientist known for his significant contributions to aerospace engineering and rocket science, passed away. Often called the 'Father of Chinese Rocketry', Xuesen played a crucial role in developing China's space and missile programs.
• 1997: 19-year-old British au pair Louise Woodward was sentenced to life in prison by a Massachusetts court after being convicted of second-degree murder for the death of an infant in her care. The high-profile case attracted significant media attention and sparked debates about judicial process and child care responsibilities.
• 1992: On October 31, 1992, skydiver Don Keller completed his 18,000th jump, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication to the extreme sport of skydiving.
• 1989: Turgut Özal, a prominent political figure known for his economic liberalization policies, was elected as the President of Turkey. Özal had previously served as Prime Minister and was instrumental in transforming Turkey's economic landscape during the late 1980s, promoting market-oriented reforms and closer ties with the West.
• 1980: Senegal mobilizes troops to Gambia in response to perceived threats from Libya, highlighting the complex geopolitical tensions in West Africa during this period.
• 1976: On October 31, 1976, Pakistani cricket prodigy Javed Miandad scored a remarkable double century (206 runs) against New Zealand at the young age of 19 years and 141 days. His exceptional innings was highlighted by an impressive 29 fours and 1 six, demonstrating his extraordinary batting prowess and potential as a future cricket legend.

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October 31st marks the 304th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 305th in case of leap years).

There are 61 days remaining until the end of the year.

October 31st is the 31st day of the month of October.

What day of the week is October 31?

On October 31st, 2025 the day of the week is Friday.

Holidays and Observances on October 31

The zodiac sign associated with October 31st is Scorpio according to the Western Zodiac.

More about October 31 zodiac

What is special about the Scorpio sign?

• Scorpio personality traits and attitude
• Scorpio most and least compatible signs
• Why October born are so special