The bridge blew. The cars tumbled into the water below. The world changed forever.
US President Bill Clinton is in critical condition today after barely surviving an assassination attempt in Malaysia. While en route to visit a local politician in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, the President’s motorcade crossed over a bridge. The bridge turned out to be rigged with explosives, which were detonated as President Clinton’s vehicle passed over it. There were a total of seven killed. Among the dead are US Vice President Al Gore, who had joined the President on his trip to the meeting of the APEC (Aisa-Pacific Economic Cooperation) forum, as well as six members of the Secret Service. The remaining Secret Service agents mounted a daring rescue, which successfully saved the President’s life. Clinton was immediately taken to a hospital nearby, where he is receiving intensive care. More on the story as it develops.
-Associated Press, November 18th, 1998, 10:13 a.m. EST
US President Bill Clinton passed away last night while undergoing emergency surgery in Malaysia to repair damage done to his body caused by the assassination attempt the previous day.
-Associated Press, November 19th, 1998, 8:58 a.m. EST
Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, has been declared Acting President due to the recent deaths of both President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. Mr. Gingrich will retain the speakership until the selection of a replacement can be determined. After a successor is named, Mr. Gingrich will resign from the Speakership and be sworn in as President of the United States. More on the story as it develops.
-Associated Press, November 19th, 1998, 9:30 a.m. EST
An emergency session of Congress has elected a new Speaker of the House of Representatives to replace the outgoing Speaker, Newt Gingrich. In a unanimous decision, most likely due to Mr. Gingrich’s call for unity, House Majority Leader Dick Armey has been named as Mr. Gingrich’s successor. Mr. Gingrich officially resigned from his position as Speaker, and solemnly passed the ceremonial gavel to Mr. Armey, who graciously accepted it. House Majority Whip Tom DeLay was elevated to the position of House Majority Leader, with Representative John Boehner of Ohio claiming Mr. DeLay’s former position.
-Associated Press, November 19th, 1998, 6:00 p.m. EST
Newt Gingrich was officially sworn in as the 43rd President of the United States today following the death of his predecessor, President Bill Clinton, who had died along with Vice President Al Gore in Malaysia. Chief Justice William Rhenquist administered the oath of office to President Gingrich in the Oval Office.
-Associated Press, November 19th, 1998, 7:30 p.m. EST
President Gingrich addressed the nation last night. In his speech, which was broadcast on national television, the President gave his condolences to the families of President Clinton and Vice President Gore. He gave his assurances to the nation that he will do his best to uphold the Constitution of the United States and execute the duties and responsibilities of his new office. President Gingrich also announced that he has ordered a full investigation into the assassinations, and gave a solemn vow that whomever was responsible for this will be brought to justice. The President, in his speech, was quoted as saying, “Wherever you are, you cannot hide from us. You will pay for what you have done to us. We will find you. No matter where you go, no matter how far or how long you run from us, we will find you. Nowhere is safe.”
-Associated Press, November 20th, 1998, 8:30 a.m. EST