Convicted murderer Richard Leavitt was declared dead at 10:25 this morning, executed by lethal injection. State Corrections Director Brent Reinke siad, “The procedures were carried out as prescribed. … The Department of Corrections has fulfilled the obligation that the law requires and that justice demands.” Four media witnesses who observed the execution described it as quiet and precise. “They appeared to be able to insert the IVs in both arms on the first attempt,” said AP reporter Rebecca Boone. KBOI-TV reporter Scott Logan said, “He was asked if he wanted to make a final statement. He just shook his head.” Added Logan, “I was struck by the military precision with which the escort team brought him into the chamber and the way it was carried out. I didn't see anything to suggest any problems”/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise. More here. (AP/Idaho Press Tribune photo by Greg Keller: Chuck Skoro, left, and Greg Franz, both of Boise, join a small group of protesters outside the Idaho Department of Corrections in opposition to the execution of Richard Leavitt)

Question: Does the media pay too much attention to protesters at executions?