May 12: What Happened on This Day in History
May 12th marks the 132nd day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 133rd in case of leap years). There are 233 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on May 12th in history, famous birthdays on May 12th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to May 12.
What happened on May 12?
Here's what happened on May 12th in history:
- 2022: Ukraine's prosecutor general, Iryna Venediktova, announced the first war crimes charge against a Russian soldier since the invasion began. Sergeant Vadin Shyshimarin, a 21-year-old tank unit soldier, is accused of shooting and killing an unarmed 62-year-old civilian while riding a bicycle in the northeastern village of Chupakhivka during the early days of the conflict.
- 2019: On May 12, 2019, a report by the United Nations revealed a secret network of detention centers in Syria where detainees were subjected to torture and abuse. The findings highlighted severe human rights violations committed by the Syrian government during the ongoing civil war. source: un.org
- 2017: On May 12, 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack began, affecting hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide. The attack exploited a vulnerability in Windows operating systems, demanding ransom payments in Bitcoin. It highlighted the vulnerabilities in global cybersecurity and prompted widespread concern among organizations and governments. source: bbc.com
- 2009: On May 12, 2009, the trial of John Demjanjuk, a former Nazi collaborator accused of being an accessory to the murder of 27,900 Jews during World War II, began in Germany. The trial was a significant event in the pursuit of justice for Holocaust victims. source: dw.com
- 2007: In violent protests in Karachi, Pakistan by Muttahida Qaumi Movement, at least 33 people have been killed and 120 others are injured.
- 2005: On May 12, 2005, reports emerged detailing the 'Oil-for-Influence' scandal, involving allegations of corruption and illicit activities within the United Nations' oil-for-food program in Iraq. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2003: On May 12, 2003, the aftermath of the Riyadh compound bombings continued to unfold as investigations progressed. The attacks had significant implications for security policies in Saudi Arabia and the region. source: bbc.com
- 1980: On May 12, 1980, Sweden's largest labor conflict since 1909 concluded when the Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO) and the Swedish Employers Confederation (SAF) accepted a government mediator's proposal. The agreement provided a 7% wage increase, leading to the return of nearly a million workers to their jobs and the resumption of normal activities across the country. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1979: On May 12, 1979, 16-year-old Tracy Austin defeated Chris Evert 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 in the semifinals of the Italian Open, ending Evert's 125-match winning streak on clay courts that had begun in August 1973. source: tennismajors.com
- 1974: On May 12, 1974, Italy held a landmark referendum on divorce, which was a significant social issue at the time. The referendum ultimately upheld the legality of divorce, reflecting changing attitudes towards marriage and family in Italian society. source: bbc.com
What famous birthdays are on May 12?
On May 12th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Katharine Hepburn]()
Katharine Hepburn (1907)Katharine Hepburn was an iconic American actress recognized for her fierce independence, spirited personality, and leading roles across stage and screen. She remains one of the greatest female stars in the history of American cinema, holding the record for the most Academy Awards for Best Actress. [bio]
![George Carlin]()
George Carlin (1937)George Carlin was an influential American stand-up comedian, actor, author, and social critic known for his sharp wit, observational humor, and outspoken criticism of religion, politics, and language. He is widely celebrated for his groundbreaking comedy, most notably his routine 'Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television', which played a pivotal role in a 1978 U.S. Supreme Court case … [bio]
![Rami Malek]()
Rami Malek (1981)Rami Malek is an American actor best known for his role as computer hacker Elliot Alderson in the television series 'Mr. Robot' and for his Academy Award-winning portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the film 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. [bio]
![Burt Bacharach]()
Burt Bacharach (1928)Burt Bacharach was an American composer, songwriter, record producer, and pianist known for his distinctive style that blended pop, jazz, and easy listening. He became one of the most influential popular music composers in the mid-20th century, acclaimed for his collaborations with lyricist Hal David. [bio]
![Emilio Estevez]()
Emilio Estevez (1962)Emilio Estevez is an American actor, film director, and screenwriter best known for his roles in the 1980s films 'The Breakfast Club,' 'St. Elmo's Fire,' and 'The Outsiders,' as well as his work in 'The Mighty Ducks' film series. He is a prominent member of the Sheen acting family, being the son of actor Martin Sheen and brother of Charlie … [bio]
![Catherine Tate]()
Catherine Tate (1968)Catherine Tate is an English comedian, actress, and writer best known for her work on 'The Catherine Tate Show' and her role as Donna Noble in the long-running British TV series 'Doctor Who.' [bio]
![Domhnall Gleeson]()
Domhnall Gleeson (1983)Domhnall Gleeson is an Irish actor, screenwriter, and director best known for his roles in the 'Harry Potter' series, 'Ex Machina,' 'About Time,' and as General Hux in the 'Star Wars' sequel trilogy. He is noted for his versatility across both dramatic and comedic roles in film, television, and stage. [bio]
![Ving Rhames]()
Ving Rhames (1959)Ving Rhames is an American actor best known for his deep voice and commanding presence, particularly in the "Mission: Impossible" film series as Luther Stickell. He has also featured in acclaimed films such as "Pulp Fiction" and "Rosewood," and won a Golden Globe Award for his role in the TV film "Don King: Only in America." Rhames has built a … [bio]
![Malin Akerman]()
Malin Akerman (1978)Malin Akerman is a Swedish-Canadian actress, model, and singer best known for her roles in films such as 'Watchmen', '27 Dresses', and the TV series 'Billions'. She has garnered recognition for her performances in both comedic and dramatic roles. [bio]
![Jason Biggs]()
Jason Biggs (1978)Jason Biggs is an American actor best known for his comedic role as Jim Levenstein in the 'American Pie' film series. He has also appeared in television shows and on Broadway. [bio]
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 May 12?
On May 12th the following celebrities died:
![Robert Reed]()
Robert Reed (1992)Robert Reed was an American actor best known for his role as Mike Brady, the father on the classic television sitcom 'The Brady Bunch.' He also appeared in numerous other television series, stage productions, and films throughout his career spanning over four decades. [bio]
![Monica Zetterlund]()
Monica Zetterlund (2005)Monica Zetterlund was a celebrated Swedish singer and actress renowned for her jazz performances and collaborations with leading musicians. She gained international recognition for her expressive voice and was one of Sweden's most popular jazz vocalists. [bio]
![Louis Calhern]()
Louis Calhern (1956)Louis Calhern was an American stage and film actor best known for his distinguished career in Hollywood during the Golden Age of cinema. He was frequently cast in supporting and character roles, especially in films of the 1940s and 1950s. [bio]
![Elisabeth Bergner]()
![Lillian Roth]()
![Erik Erikson]()
Erik Erikson (1994)Erik Erikson was a prominent developmental psychologist who developed the theory of psychosocial development, introducing influential...
![Dennis Nilsen]()
Dennis Nilsen (2018)Notorious British serial killer who murdered at least 15 young men between 1978 and 1983, known for his gruesome dismemberment and...
![Mauno Koivisto]()
Mauno Koivisto (2017)Prominent Finnish politician who served as the ninth President of Finland from 1982 to 1994, playing a crucial role during the late Cold War...
![H R Giger]()
![Irena Sendler]()
Irena Sendler (2008)Polish nurse and social worker who saved approximately 2,500 Jewish children during the Holocaust by smuggling them out of the Warsaw...
What day of the year is May 12?
May 12th marks the 132nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 133rd in case of leap years).
There are 233 days remaining until the end of the year.
May 12th is the 12th day of the month of May.
What day of the week is May 12?
On May 12th, 2026 the day of the week is Tuesday.
| May | 2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
What zodiac sign is associated with the day May 12?
The zodiac sign associated with May 12th is Taurus according to the Western Zodiac.
