The video was shot using a mobile phone camera.
On 3 January 2007, the Iraqi government arrested the guard who they believe made the mobile phone video. Iraqi National Security Advisor, Mowaffak al-Rubaie, later held a press conference where he announced that three arrests had been made in connection with the investigation into the video recording and leak.
After the video was leaked online, it attracted international controversy towards the manner of Saddam Hussein's execution, with criticism calling the execution uncivil and disrespectful. This was because the amateur footage, unlike the official footage released by the Iraqi government, included sound; witnesses could be heard taunting Saddam at the gallows.