Leaders & Politicians · 20th Century
Che Guevara’s Last Words
“I know you are here to kill me. Shoot, coward, you are only going to kill a man.”— Che Guevara, October 9, 1967
Who Was Che Guevara?
Ernesto 'Che' Guevara was an Argentine Marxist revolutionary who played a key role in the Cuban Revolution and became an international icon of leftist revolution and counterculture.
The Final Moments
Che was captured in Bolivia by CIA-assisted Bolivian forces. He was held overnight in a schoolhouse in La Higuera before being executed by Sergeant Mario Terán on orders from the Bolivian government.
Are These Words Verified?
Several witnesses including the executing soldier reported these words, though exact phrasing varies slightly in different accounts. The basic sentiment is well-documented and widely accepted.
Sources
- firsthand Mario Terán (executioner) account
- biography Jon Lee Anderson, Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life (1997)
- archive Bolivian military records and witness statements
Legacy
Che's image — the famous Alberto Korda photograph — has become one of the most reproduced images in history, appearing on t-shirts and posters worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Che Guevara’s last words?
“I know you are here to kill me. Shoot, coward, you are only going to kill a man.”
How did Che Guevara die?
Che Guevara died on October 9, 1967 at the age of 39. Cause of death: Execution.
Were Che Guevara’s last words documented?
Several witnesses including the executing soldier reported these words, though exact phrasing varies slightly in different accounts. The basic sentiment is well-documented and widely accepted.
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