Assassination of Siegfried Buback in Berlin
April 7th, 1977
April 7th, 1977
How Long Ago?
47 years, 11 months, 8 days ago
Location
Berlin, Germany
Category
Crime & Law
People
- Siegfried Buback
Links & References
Tags
Assassination of Siegfried Buback in Berlin
Siegfried Buback, the German Federal prosecutor, and his driver were ambushed and shot by two members of the Red Army Faction while they were stopped at a red light in West Berlin. The attack occurred mid-afternoon, highlighting the ongoing violence associated with the far-left extremist group that sought to advance its revolutionary agenda through acts of terror.
Buback was a key figure in West German law.
The RAF aimed to incite revolutionary change.
The assassination sparked national security debates.
It marked a peak in leftist violent extremism.
What Happened?
Siegfried Buback, serving as the Federal prosecutor in West Germany, was a significant target for the Red Army Faction (RAF), a leftist militant group known for their violent opposition to the West German state and its institutions. On a sunny spring day, Buback was driving in his official car with his driver, when they halted at a traffic signal in Berlin. It was then that two armed members of the RAF approached the vehicle on a motorcycle and opened fire, killing both Buback and his driver instantly. This brazen execution marked a notable escalation in the RAF's campaign of violence, which had been aimed at government officials and symbolic figures of the West German state. The attack was part of a prolonged period of terror and political assassinations that characterized the years of lead in West Germany.
Why Does it Matter?
The assassination of Siegfried Buback had a profound impact on German society and politics. It underscored the threat posed by the Red Army Faction and emphasized the government's struggle to maintain order amidst a rising tide of leftist extremism. Furthermore, Buback's murder sparked a nationwide introspection and debate on the nature and tactics of revolutionary violence, shaping public perception of both the RAF and the state's response to domestic terrorism. This event contributed to the justification of stringent measures against suspected terrorists.
Discover More Historic Events from April 7th
Ketanji Brown Jackson Confirmed as Supreme Court Justice
Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as a Supreme Court Justice, making history as the first Black woman to hold this position. This pivotal moment in American history was marked by a 53-47 vote in the Senate, reflecting a significant step toward greater diversity in the highest court. Jackson, who previously served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, was nominated by President Joe Biden to fill the vacancy left by retiring Justice Stephen Breyer. Her confirmation was celebrated by many as an important advancement for representation in judicial roles.
Continue ReadingAlpha Variant Becomes Dominant Strain in the US
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant, first identified in the United Kingdom, had surged and become the predominant strain of COVID-19 circulating in the United States. This announcement highlighted the evolving nature of the pandemic and the importance of monitoring variant strains as vaccination efforts were ramping up nationwide. With its increased transmissibility, the Alpha variant posed challenges in controlling the spread of the virus, necessitating adaptive public health strategies to protect the population.
Continue ReadingWuhan Lockdown Ends Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
After 76 days of strict lockdown, Wuhan, the original epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, reopened its borders, allowing residents to leave the city. The lockdown had begun in late January 2020, implemented to curb the outbreak of the virus. As the situation improved, authorities eased restrictions, instilling hope among the populace. Residents celebrated the news and began to resume normal activities, albeit with precautionary measures in place to prevent further spread of the virus.
Continue ReadingResignation of Thomas Modly from Navy Secretary
Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly resigned following intense scrutiny over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the dismissal of Captain Brett Crozier. The situation escalated as Crozier's concerns about the spread of the virus on the ship were leaked, leading to public backlash against Modly's decisions. His resignation reflected the growing pressures within the U.S. Navy and the Trump administration during the pandemic.
Continue ReadingLula da Silva Arrested for Corruption Charges
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, former president of Brazil, was arrested for corruption under the direction of Judge Sérgio Moro as part of the 'Car-Wash Operation'. Following an extensive investigation that unveiled widespread corruption in Brazil, Lula was sentenced to prison. He spent a total of 580 days incarcerated until the Brazilian Supreme Court decided to release him, citing concerns over the legality of his imprisonment. This case highlighted significant issues related to corruption and political accountability in Brazil.
Continue ReadingChemical Attack in Douma during Syrian Conflict
In early April, a chemical attack took place in Douma, a town in Eastern Ghouta, Syria. This event occurred amid the larger Eastern Ghouta offensive, where Syrian government forces sought to reclaim control from rebel groups. Eyewitness accounts reported the use of chlorine gas and possibly nerve agents, leading to significant civilian casualties. International responses were immediate, as Western nations condemned the use of chemical weapons and called for accountability.
Continue Reading