Rudi Dutschke, a key figure of the student movement in West Germany during the 1960s, was shot on April 11, 1968, while walking in Berlin. The assailant, a member of the far-right extremist group, perceived Dutschke's activism as a threat to the traditional values of German society. This act was not only a personal attack on Dutschke but also intended to send a message against the growing leftist sentiment in Germany. Following the shooting, Dutschke underwent extensive medical treatment but sustained significant brain damage that affected his speech and cognitive functions.

In the wake of the assassination attempt, Dutschke became a symbol of the struggle for democracy and the social rights movement in Germany. His shooting led to an outpouring of support among students and leftist groups, who organized protests and demonstrations, demanding justice and condemning the political climate that bred such violence. The public outcry highlighted the divisions within German society, between conservative and progressive factions, and brought attention to issues such as political radicalization and the role of state violence in suppressing dissent.

Dutschke's recovery was long and challenging, but he continued to engage in political discourse. He eventually moved to London, where he continued his advocacy. The attempt on his life and the subsequent reactions of the public heavily influenced the German New Left movement and triggered debates about civil rights, freedom of speech, and political extremism in West Germany. His legacy remains intertwined with discussions about democracy and social justice.