Summary of "History Daily: The Killing of Benno Ohnesorg" – American History Tellers Podcast
Podcast Information:
- Title: American History Tellers
- Host/Author: Wondery (Hosted by Lindsay Graham)
- Episode: History Daily: The Killing of Benno Ohnesorg
- Release Date: June 2, 2025
Overview: In this gripping episode of American History Tellers, host Lindsay Graham delves into the pivotal and tumultuous event of the killing of Benno Ohnesorg in West Berlin on June 2, 1967. The episode meticulously unpacks the incident, its immediate aftermath, and its profound long-term effects on German society and politics. Through detailed storytelling, archival accounts, and expert insights, Graham illuminates how this tragic event became a catalyst for significant social and political upheaval in West Germany.
1. The Fateful Day: June 2, 1967
The episode opens with a vivid reenactment of the events leading up to Benno Ohnesorg's death. On the evening of June 2, 1967, a large crowd of protesters gathers outside the German Opera House in West Berlin to demonstrate against the invitation of Iran's Shah, Mohammad Reza Shah, to the performance of Mozart's The Magic Flute. Tensions escalate as security forces respond aggressively to the protesters.
Key Moments:
- Protest Description: A young female student, amidst the chaos, witnesses the mounting anger as protesters hurl tomatoes and eggs at the Shah and his wife, who are escorted into the opera house.
- Police Aggression: As the situation intensifies, police officers deploy batons to disperse the crowd, leading to panic and disorder among the demonstrators.
Notable Quote:
"Aggression is sudden and shocking."
— Lindsay Graham [00:00:30]
Amidst the turmoil, the young student becomes separated from her friends and seeks refuge in an underground parking lot. Here, the chaos reaches its climax when a police officer fires a fatal shot, striking Benno Ohnesorg, a 26-year-old student, who dies before reaching a hospital.
2. The Aftermath: Immediate Reactions and Trial
Following Ohnesorg's death, the episode transitions to November 21, 1967, five months after the incident, highlighting the trial of Karl Heinz Koras—the police officer responsible for the shooting.
Trial Proceedings:
- Accusations: Koras faces charges of negligent homicide. His defense claims he acted in self-defense after being assaulted by protesters.
- Prosecution Challenges: The prosecution's case is undermined by missing evidence, including the disappearance of a vital piece of Ohnesorg's skull and the absence of a recovered pistol magazine.
- Verdict: Citing insufficient evidence, the judge acquits Koras, a decision met with widespread public outrage and allegations of a state cover-up.
Notable Quote:
"Citing a lack of evidence, he issues a verdict of not guilty."
— Lindsay Graham [00:04:15]
The trial's conclusion fuels suspicions that the authorities deliberately concealed crucial information to shield Koras, intensifying distrust between the populace and the government.
3. Public Outcry and the Rise of Militant Movements
Ohnesorg's death becomes a symbol of governmental oppression, sparking massive protests and the emergence of radical groups seeking justice and systemic change.
Impact on Society:
- Student Movements: Organizations like the Socialist German Students Union (SDS) gain momentum, driven by youth disillusionment and a demand for democratic reforms.
- Militant Groups: Frustration with peaceful protests leads to the formation of extremist factions such as the Red Army Faction and the 2nd of June Movement. These groups adopt violent tactics, including bombings and kidnappings, to challenge the status quo.
Notable Quote:
"These students have not forgotten their nation's history."
— Lindsay Graham [00:05:45]
The episode underscores how Ohnesorg's killing acted as a catalyst for a broader rebellion against perceived authoritarian remnants within West German institutions, particularly the police force.
4. A Shocking Revelation: Koras as a Stasi Spy
Decades later, new evidence surfaces revealing that Karl Heinz Koras was not merely a rogue cop but an undercover agent for the East German secret police, the Stasi.
Unveiling the Truth:
- Stasi Connection: Documents uncovered after Koras's death in 2014 indicate that he had been passing information to the Stasi since the mid-1950s.
- Implications: This revelation suggests that Koras may have been acting under directives to heighten tensions and suppress dissent, adding a complex layer to the narrative of Ohnesorg's assassination.
Notable Quote:
"Historians have now uncovered documents revealing that Karl Heinz was actually an undercover spy for the Communists."
— Lindsay Graham [00:13:30]
The exposure of Koras's true allegiance challenges previously held perceptions, raising questions about the extent of state manipulation and the true motivations behind the violent suppression of protests.
5. Legacy and Lasting Impact
Benno Ohnesorg's death remains a seminal moment in modern German history, symbolizing the struggle between youthful activism and entrenched political power structures.
Enduring Influence:
- Democratic Rebirth: The incident galvanized movements advocating for a clear break from Germany's fascist past and a robust embrace of democracy and human rights.
- Continued Discourse: The ambiguous circumstances surrounding Ohnesorg's death and Koras's involvement continue to fuel debates and investigations, reflecting the enduring quest for truth and accountability in post-war Germany.
Notable Quote:
"Benno Onenesorg's death was a turning point in Germany's modern history."
— Lindsay Graham [00:14:00]
The episode concludes by emphasizing how historical events like Ohnesorg's killing resonate through time, shaping societal values and political landscapes for generations to come.
Conclusion
"History Daily: The Killing of Benno Ohnesorg" offers a comprehensive exploration of a critical event that not only altered the trajectory of West German society but also left an indelible mark on the nation's collective memory. Through meticulous research and compelling narrative, Lindsay Graham brings to life the complexities and far-reaching consequences of Ohnesorg's assassination, highlighting its role in fostering a more vigilant and activist citizenry committed to safeguarding democracy and human rights.
Credits:
- Host: Lindsey Graham
- Audio Editing: Mohammed Shazi
- Supervising Sound Designer: Matthew Filler
- Music: Throne
- Writers: Angus Gavin Nicard, Edited by Joel Cowan
- Managing Producer: Emily Burke
- Executive Producers: William Simpson (Airship), Pascal Hughes (Noiser)
Produced by: Wondery
For more engaging historical narratives, listen to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or your preferred podcast platform.