In the early months of 1967, anticipation grew around the state visit of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran to West Berlin. The Shah's regime was widely criticized for its authoritarianism and human rights violations, leading to significant unrest among students and leftist groups in West Germany. On June 2, a large protest was organized in opposition to the Shah's visit, highlighting the tensions surrounding his policies and the situation in Iran. As thousands gathered in the streets, the atmosphere became increasingly charged with political fervor. Police were deployed to manage the protests, which they viewed as a threat to public order. In a violent clash between protesters and law enforcement, Benno Ohnesorg was shot and killed by a police officer, an incident that became a flashpoint for escalating tensions not only in Berlin but across Germany as a whole.

Ohnesorg's death resonated deeply with the public, symbolizing state repression. The brutality witnessed that day galvanized many young people, leading to the establishment of the Movement 2 June, a radical leftist group that sought to confront what they perceived as the injustices of the state. This movement aimed to bring attention to issues related to imperialism, capitalism, and authoritarianism, reflecting a broader wave of student activism and political engagement throughout the late 1960s.