History Daily The Killing of Benno Ohnesorg
Jun 2, 2025
On June 2, 1967, protests in West Berlin take a tragic turn when student Benno Ohnesorg is shot by police, shocking onlookers and igniting civil unrest. The aftermath sees a controversial trial for the officer involved, fueling public outrage and sparking a significant student protest movement. Additionally, the formation of the radical Second of June Movement illustrates the increasing tensions between activists and the government. The podcast also unveils hidden truths about the shooting, revealing connections to state espionage and its lasting impact on youth activism in Germany.
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Benno Ohnesorg's Fatal Protest Shooting
- Benno Ohnesorg, a 26-year-old student, was fatally shot by a police officer during a protest in West Berlin on June 2, 1967.
- His death occurred amid chaotic police aggression while protesting against Iran's Shah visiting the opera house.
Trial Reveals Possible Cover-Up
- Karl-Heinz Korach, the policeman who shot Benno, was acquitted due to lack of evidence despite suspicious missing items.
- His minimal punishment intensified public anger and suspicions of a state cover-up of police violence.
West Berlin Police's Nazi Legacy
- Over half of West Berlin's police were former Nazis, maintaining anti-communist and anti-Semitic views post-WWII.
- This influenced growing student mistrust towards authorities and galvanized protest movements like the Socialist German Students' Union.