What Happened to Daniel Ellsberg? How Did Pentagon Papers Whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg Die?
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Jun 17, 2023
Who is Daniel Ellsberg?
Daniel Ellsberg, an influential American political activist and military analyst for the United States, sparked a nationwide political firestorm in 1971. Working at the RAND Corporation, he took a bold step by releasing the Pentagon Papers highly classified documents that unveiled the U.S. government's decision-making regarding the Vietnam War to prominent newspapers like The New York Times and The Washington Post.
The Pentagon Papers exposed a calculated deception perpetuated by the U.S. government upon its citizens, encompassing the reasons for initiating the war, the war's progress, and the actual number of civilian casualties. The release of these papers caused an immense public outcry and significantly shifted public opinion against the war.
Facing charges under the Espionage Act, Ellsberg ultimately evaded legal repercussions. While he remained a figure of controversy, his bravery and unwavering commitment to truth garnered admiration from many. In the ensuing years, he continued to be a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy and the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
On June 16, 2023, at the age of 92, Ellsberg passed away. A multifaceted and controversial figure, he was also recognized for his profound courage and steadfast convictions. His audacious act of leaking the Pentagon Papers left an indelible mark on history, solidifying his position as one of the most significant whistleblowers of the 20th century.
What Happened To Daniel Ellsberg?
On June 16, 2023, Daniel Ellsberg, a prominent American political activist, and former military analyst, passed away at his residence in Kensington, California, at the age of 92. Ellsberg gained significant recognition for divulging the Pentagon Papers an undisclosed, classified Pentagon examination of the U.S. government's decision-making regarding the Vietnam War to prominent newspapers such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and others in 1971.
Subsequently, in 1973, Ellsberg faced charges under the Espionage Act of 1917; however, these charges were later dismissed due to improper governmental conduct and unlawful collection of evidence, with legal representation provided by Leonard Boudin and Harvard Law School professor Charles Nesson. Throughout his life, Ellsberg was honored with accolades such as the Right Livelihood Award in 2006 and the 2018 Olof Palme Prize, in recognition of his profound humanism and exceptional moral courage.
The disclosure of the Pentagon Papers triggered a widespread national discourse concerning the war and played a significant role in fueling the anti-war movement. Consequently, Ellsberg was arrested and faced charges of espionage and other offenses, but ultimately, the charges were dropped owing to governmental impropriety.
Following the release of the Pentagon Papers, Ellsberg embraced the role of an anti-war activist and persisted in voicing his concerns against government secrecy and militarism. He penned several books on the subject matter, including "Secrets: A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers" and "The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner."
Until his demise on June 16, 2023, Ellsberg continued to exert a substantial influence as an activist and public figure. His legacy as an ethical whistleblower and proponent of transparency and peace will endure, ensuring his remembrance and celebration in the years to come.
How Did Pentagon Papers Whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg Die?
On June 16, 2023, Daniel Ellsberg, the courageous whistleblower behind the release of the Pentagon Papers, peacefully passed away at his residence in Kensington, California. At the age of 92, he bid farewell while surrounded by his beloved family. Although the specific cause of his death remains undisclosed, it is known that Ellsberg had been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer earlier in the year. His family has emphasized that he experienced no pain during his final moments.
The remarkable legacy of Daniel Ellsberg as a political activist, anti-war advocate, and principled whistleblower will forever be honored and celebrated. Following his father's passing, Michael Ellsberg, took to social media to confirm the news and pay tribute to his father's accomplishments.
Despite his battle with pancreatic cancer, Ellsberg maintained an unwavering dedication to social and political causes until the very end. His tireless efforts encompassed advocating for government transparency, nuclear disarmament, and global peace.
The news of Ellsberg's demise has elicited profound sorrow from numerous individuals, including journalists, activists, and public figures who were profoundly influenced by his work and unwavering courage. The impact of Ellsberg's release of the Pentagon Papers in 1971, which exposed the government's concealed involvement in the Vietnam War, cannot be overstated.
His audacious actions ignited a nationwide dialogue concerning the imperative need for transparency, accountability, and checks on executive authority. Daniel Ellsberg will forever be remembered as a trailblazer and a hero, serving as a timeless source of inspiration for generations of activists and journalists to come.
What Happened To Daniel Ellsberg After The Pentagon Papers?
After Daniel Ellsberg released the Pentagon Papers in 1971, he faced serious charges of espionage and other crimes that could have led to a staggering prison sentence of up to 115 years. However, due to various instances of governmental misconduct, including illegal acquisition of evidence and wiretapping of Ellsberg's communications, the charges against him were eventually dismissed.
Following the dismissal, Ellsberg remained an active political activist, steadfast in his advocacy for government transparency and peace. He chronicled his experiences in several books, such as "Secrets: A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers" and "The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner."
In subsequent years, Ellsberg dedicated himself to ending the Vietnam War. He collaborated with peace organizations, supporting the anti-war movement, and demonstrated immense courage by surreptitiously obtaining documents from his office at the Rand Corporation that exposed the true extent of U.S. bombing campaigns in Indochina.
Moreover, Ellsberg became increasingly involved in the anti-nuclear movement. He penned an influential op-ed in the New York Times, sounding the alarm on the perils of nuclear warfare and the existence of doomsday weapons capable of eradicating life on Earth. He actively participated in the Nuclear Freeze Movement, which advocated for halting the nuclear arms race and continued to champion nuclear disarmament throughout his lifetime.
Consistently, Ellsberg fiercely defended civil liberties and a free press, consistently criticizing the government for its violations of the law and the Constitution. His enduring legacy as a proponent of transparency, accountability, and peace serves as a wellspring of inspiration for a generation of activists striving for a more just and democratic society.
Notably, Ellsberg frequently engaged in public speaking engagements and made appearances on numerous television and radio programs, imparting his invaluable insights on matters pertaining to government secrecy, war, and civil liberties. Until his passing on June 16, 2023, at the age of 92, he remained a respected and influential voice on these crucial issues
What Happened To Daniel Ellsberg - FAQs
Daniel Ellsberg, a renowned American political activist and military analyst, passed away on June 16, 2023, at the age of 92 at his home in Kensington, California.
Daniel Ellsberg gained prominence for releasing the Pentagon Papers, a classified study conducted by the Pentagon that revealed the U.S. government's decision-making during the Vietnam War. This act brought about significant public outcry and shifted public opinion against the war.
Daniel Ellsberg was charged under the Espionage Act for his role in leaking the Pentagon Papers. However, the charges were ultimately dropped due to instances of government misconduct, such as illegal evidence-gathering and wiretapping of Ellsberg's communications.
The release of the Pentagon Papers had a profound impact. It exposed the U.S. government's deliberate deception of its citizens regarding the Vietnam War, including misinformation about the reasons for the war and the extent of civilian casualties. The papers ignited public outrage and significantly influenced public opinion against the war.
After the release of the Pentagon Papers, Daniel Ellsberg continued to be an active political activist, advocating for government transparency and peace. He authored books, including "Secrets: A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers" and "The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner," sharing his experiences and insights.