The United States is poised to carry out its first execution by firing squad in 15 years, as South Carolina schedules the execution of Brad Sigmon on March 7, 2025.
This event has reignited discussions about the history and ethics of this execution method.
Brad Sigmon’s Case and Choice of Execution Method
Brad Sigmon, a 67-year-old inmate, was convicted in 2001 for the brutal murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents. After exhausting his appeals, Sigmon was presented with execution options lethal injection, electrocution, or firing squad.
Citing concerns over the potential pain and prolonged death associated with lethal injection and electrocution, he opted for the firing squad.
Historical Context of Firing Squad Executions in the U.S.
Execution by firing squad has a long, albeit infrequent, history in the United States:
- Colonial Era: The first recorded execution by shooting occurred in 1608 in Jamestown, Virginia, where Captain George Kendall was executed for espionage.
- Military Use: During the Civil War, firing squads were employed to deter desertion and maintain discipline among troops.
- Modern Era: Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976, only three inmates have been executed by firing squad, all in Utah YearInmate NameNotes1977Gary GilmoreFirst execution after the death penalty’s reinstatement; chose firing squad voluntarily.1996John Albert TaylorOpted for firing squad over lethal injection.2010Ronnie Lee GardnerSelected firing squad due to personal preference.
States Authorizing Firing Squad Executions
As of 2025, five states permit execution by firing squad under specific circumstances:
- Utah: Historically utilized firing squads; currently allows them if lethal injection drugs are unavailable.
- Oklahoma: Authorizes firing squad as an alternative method.
- Mississippi: Permits firing squad if other methods are deemed unconstitutional or unavailable.
- South Carolina: Reinstated firing squad executions in 2024 due to challenges in obtaining lethal injection drugs.
- Idaho: Considering legislation to make firing squad the primary execution method amid difficulties securing lethal injection drugs.
Rationale Behind the Resurgence of Firing Squads
The renewed interest in firing squad executions stems from several factors:
- Drug Shortages: Pharmaceutical companies’ refusal to supply drugs for executions has led to shortages, making lethal injections challenging to administer.
- Botched Executions: There have been instances where lethal injections resulted in prolonged and painful deaths, raising ethical and legal concerns.
- Perception of Humaneness: Some legal experts and justices argue that firing squads may offer a quicker and less painful death compared to other methods.
Execution Procedure by Firing Squad
The process of execution by firing squad is meticulously organized to ensure a swift death:
- Preparation: The inmate is strapped to a chair, and a target is placed over their heart.
- Positioning: A hood is placed over the inmate’s head to prevent anticipation of the shots.
- Firing Squad: Typically, five shooters are armed with rifles, with one rifle containing blanks to diffuse responsibility.
- Execution: Upon the warden’s signal, the shooters fire simultaneously at the target.
- Pronouncement: A medical professional confirms death shortly after the shots are fired.
Ethical and Legal Debates
The use of firing squads has sparked ongoing debates:
- Supporters’ View: Advocates argue that firing squads provide a quicker and potentially less painful death, especially given the complications associated with lethal injections.
- Opponents’ View: Critics contend that firing squads are archaic and inhumane, perpetuating a cycle of violence.
The scheduled execution of Brad Sigmon by firing squad marks a significant moment in the history of capital punishment in the United States.
It underscores the complexities and challenges states face in administering the death penalty, balancing legal, ethical, and practical considerations.
As methods of execution continue to evolve, the debates surrounding their humanity and efficacy remain as pertinent as ever.