Royalty & Nobility · Modern

Muammar Gaddafi’s Last Words

June 7, 1942 October 20, 2011 Age 69 Libyan
Don't shoot! Don't shoot!
— Muammar Gaddafi, October 20, 2011

Who Was Muammar Gaddafi?

Muammar Gaddafi ruled Libya for 42 years after seizing power in a 1969 coup. He was a sponsor of terrorism and a self-styled revolutionary who called himself the King of Kings of Africa.

The Final Moments

Gaddafi was captured hiding in a drainage culvert near his hometown of Sirte during the Libyan Civil War. He was beaten by rebels before being shot.

Are These Words Verified?

~ Medium Confidence

Multiple video recordings captured Gaddafi's capture and chaotic final moments, with audio suggesting pleas not to shoot. However, the exact words are difficult to verify definitively due to noise and translation issues in the footage.

Sources

  • firsthand Video footage of capture
  • newspaper Reuters and AP reporting
  • academic Human Rights Watch investigation

Legacy

Gaddafi's death ended four decades of rule. Libya descended into chaos after his fall.

LibyadictatorterrorismArab Springexecution

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Muammar Gaddafi’s last words?

“Don't shoot! Don't shoot!”

How did Muammar Gaddafi die?

Muammar Gaddafi died on October 20, 2011 at the age of 69. Cause of death: Execution by rebel forces.

Were Muammar Gaddafi’s last words documented?

Multiple video recordings captured Gaddafi's capture and chaotic final moments, with audio suggesting pleas not to shoot. However, the exact words are difficult to verify definitively due to noise and translation issues in the footage.