Gary Gilmore was executed in Utah on January 17, 1977, after being convicted of two murders the previous year. His case was particularly significant as it represented the first execution in the United States following a ten-year moratorium on capital punishment, which had been largely due to the Supreme Court's ruling in the early 1970s that found existing death penalty laws unconstitutional. Gilmore's sentence was carried out by a firing squad, a method allowable under Utah law, and this notable case reignited discussions around the ethics and effectiveness of the death penalty in America.

On the day of his execution, Gary Gilmore chose to face his fate with a sense of acceptance. He famously stated, 'Let's do it,' when asked if he had any last words, which added to the media frenzy surrounding the execution. The decision to execute Gilmore was controversial, drawing attention from both supporters and opponents of capital punishment. His case was featured prominently in the media and was later adapted into literature and film, solidifying its legacy in American culture.

The execution initiated a series of discussions, legislative actions, and judicial rulings over the following decades regarding the application of the death penalty, sparking a broader debate regarding its fairness and implementation in various states. Moreover, it laid the groundwork for future cases that would challenge various aspects of capital punishment, including methods of execution and the rights of the accused.