What happened in Washington D.C. in 1982?

Question

Lillian Alessi · Accepted Answer

Quite a lot, of both local and national significance

On January 13, an Air Florida plane taking off from National Airport crashed into the 14th Street Bridge, killing all but six of the people aboard. Pilot error was blamed. Then-local DJ Howard Stern made an appalling joke about the incident on the air. He was promptly fired by station WWDC and made his way to New York's WNBC and a bigger (and eventually national) audience. On June 21, John Hinckley Jr. was found not guilty of attempting to assassinate President Ronald Reagan. He evaded prison, but spent most of the next 35 years in a mental institution in DC. Public outrage at the verdict resulted in the Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1984, which raised the bar for insanity defenses. In November, Mayor Marion Barry was re-elected to the second of his four terms.

Zoe Atkinson · Answer

undefined In 1982, several significant events occurred in Washington D.C., including:

1. The Washington Metro expanded with the opening of new stations, further enhancing the city's public transportation system.
2. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated on the National Mall, providing a poignant tribute to those who served and died in the Vietnam War.
3. The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History reopened after a major renovation, showcasing exhibits on American history and culture.
4. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center opened, providing a venue for large-scale events and conventions in the city.
5. The first National Black Family Reunion Celebration took place on the National Mall, drawing attention to issues facing African American families and communities.
6. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts hosted numerous cultural events and performances, further solidifying its role as a premier arts venue in the nation's capital.
7. The District of Columbia gained increased autonomy with the passage of the D.C. Voting Rights Amendment, although it ultimately failed to be ratified by enough states to become law.
8. Various political and diplomatic activities continued at the White House, Capitol Hill, and diplomatic embassies, reflecting Washington D.C.'s role as the center of American governance and international relations.