The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. occurred on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. King, a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement, was shot while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. His death triggered widespread grief, anger, and riots across the United States, sparking a renewed commitment to the civil rights agenda. King's assassination had a profound impact on American society, leading to increased awareness of racial injustice and accelerating the passage of civil rights legislation. His legacy continues to inspire movements advocating for equality and justice around the world.