The Untold Story of Gary McKinnon: A Hacker’s Fight for Justice

TLDRGary McKinnon, a British hacker, broke into U.S. government computers in search of evidence of UFO cover-ups. He faced extradition and a potential 60-year prison sentence but was ultimately saved by his Asperger's syndrome diagnosis. His mother tirelessly fought for his freedom, leading to a landmark decision by the UK Home Secretary. McKinnon now lives a normal life, running a search engine optimization company.

Key insights

🎮Gary McKinnon, a British hacker, accessed 97 U.S. government computers including those of the Army, Navy, Air Force, NASA, and Department of Defense.

🛸McKinnon hacked into these computers with the aim of finding evidence of UFO cover-ups and government secrecy.

🔒His actions were discovered, and he faced extradition and a potential 60-year prison sentence.

🤝McKinnon's Asperger's syndrome diagnosis played a crucial role in saving him from extradition, as it was deemed that he would be at risk of ending his life.

💪His mother, Janis, fought tirelessly for his freedom, garnering public and political support.

Q&A

What motivated Gary McKinnon to hack into U.S. government computers?

Gary McKinnon hacked into U.S. government computers in search of evidence of UFO cover-ups and government secrecy.

What role did Asperger's syndrome play in Gary McKinnon's case?

Gary McKinnon's Asperger's syndrome diagnosis played a crucial role in saving him from extradition, as it was deemed that he would be at risk of ending his life if extradited.

How did Gary McKinnon's mother contribute to the fight for his freedom?

Gary McKinnon's mother, Janis, fought tirelessly for his freedom, organizing protests, lobbying politicians, and garnering public support.

What is Gary McKinnon doing now?

Gary McKinnon now lives a normal life and runs a search engine optimization company in Leicester, UK.

What impact did Gary McKinnon's case have on extradition rules in the UK?

Gary McKinnon's case resulted in new rules that allow British judges to block an extradition request if they believe the suspect should be tried in the UK.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Gary McKinnon hacked into 97 U.S. government computers, including those of the Army, Navy, Air Force, NASA, and Department of Defense.

10:51Gary McKinnon's Asperger's syndrome diagnosis played a crucial role in saving him from extradition, as it was deemed that he would be at risk of ending his life if extradited.

14:24Theresa May, the UK Home Secretary, withdrew the extradition order against Gary McKinnon due to his mental health conditions.

15:59Gary McKinnon's case resulted in new rules that allow British judges to block an extradition request if they believe the suspect should be tried in the UK.

16:30Gary McKinnon now runs a search engine optimization company in Leicester, UK and continues to live a normal life.