On December 22

The United States repealed its "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the military (signing pictured).

A dike ruptured at a waste containment area for a coal-fired power plant in Kingston, Tennessee, releasing 1.1 billion gallons (4.2 million m3) of coal fly ash slurry (aftermath pictured) in the largest industrial spill in US history.

Richard Reid unsuccessfully attempted to detonate a bomb in his shoe on a transatlantic flight from Paris to Miami.

Burhanuddin Rabbani of the Northern Alliance handed over power in Afghanistan to the interim government headed by Hamid Karzai.

Hussein Farrah Aidid relinquished the disputed title of President of Somalia.

Brazilian unionist and environmental activist Chico Mendes was murdered at his home in Xapuri.

While riding a New York City Subway train, Bernhard Goetz shot four African-American youths who had attempted to rob him, sparking a nationwide debate on vigilantism, racism, and the legal limits of self-defense.

Chaired by Sjafruddin Prawiranegara, the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia was established to counter Dutch attempts to re-assert colonial control.

Members of the All-India Muslim League observed a "Day of Deliverance" to celebrate the resignations of members of the Indian National Congress over the decision to enter the Second World War at the request of the United Kingdom.

The Lincoln Tunnel, connecting New York City to Weehawken, New Jersey, opened.

The Congress of Soviets approved the GOELRO plan, the first Soviet plan for national economic recovery and development.

In an effort to avoid engaging in the Napoleonic Wars, the United States Congress passed the Embargo Act, forbidding American ships from engaging in trade with foreign nations.

An earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.9 struck the eastern Alborz mountains in Persia, causing an estimated 200,000 deaths.

Pope Innocent I began his papacy, succeeding Anastasius I.