Hoffman 's theatrical performances succeeded in convincing many young people at the time to become more politically active . Hoffman was arrested and tried for conspiracy and inciting to riot as a result of his role in anti-Vietnam War protests , which were met by a violent police riot during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago . He was among the group that came to be known as the Chicago Seven ( originally known as the Chicago Eight ) , which included fellow Yippie Jerry Rubin , David Dellinger , Rennie Davis , John Froines , Lee Weiner , future California state senator Tom Hayden and Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale ( before his trial was severed from the others )
1968 Democratic National Convention
1968 Democratic National Convention
Abbie Hoffman