Graham's claims of innocence and an unfair trial became an issue in the presidential campaign of then-Gov. George W. Bush. Less than a minute later, a tie-down team secured him to the gurney. Immobilized, Graham seethed and waited to unleash a diatribe as witnesses filed into the two closet-sized viewing rooms. Arms extended, the scene is not unlike a crucifixion, with the criminal prone rather than erect.
Belts secure the inmate's wrists, ankles and legs.
A diagonal belt runs across the chest, another at the waist. A belligerent prisoner is further restrained with wide strips of Velcro-like fasteners, including one that holds his head to the gurney. Then only the eyes can move. Within three minutes, a needle is inserted in each arm at the elbow, the IV carrying a saline solution. The procedure complete, the officers depart, leaving the inmate with the warden standing near his head, a chaplain near his feet.