Why The US Is Killing Someone By Firing Squad For The First Time In 15 Years

The firing squad, a form of execution with a lengthy and intricate past in the United States, is scheduled to be utilized for the first time in 15 years in South Carolina. On Friday, Brad Sigmon, found guilty of killing his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 2001, will confront a firing squad, a choice he made instead of the electric chair and lethal injection.

The origin of firing squads in the US traces back to colonial eras, where it served as a penalty for mutiny. In 1608, Captain George Kendall was shot by a firing squad in Jamestown, Virginia, due to suspected mutiny and collusion with Spain. This was the initial documented execution by shooting in America.

In the Civil War, both sides employed firing squads to execute deserters and establish a “public spectacle” to uphold discipline. As reported by the Associated Press, Mark Smith, a history professor at the University of South Carolina, stated that firing squads were intended to shock and instill fear, incorporating an element of unpredictability since one of the shooters would frequently use a blank round.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Utah emerged as the main state to implement firing squads, conducting no fewer than 40 executions using this approach. A significant instance was the execution of labor activist and songwriter Joe Hill in 1915. Hill, who upheld his innocence until the very end, was executed by a firing squad in Utah State Prison.

Nonetheless, the employment of firing squads decreased as lethal injection emerged as the favored execution method in the 1980s. Lethal injection was originally regarded as a kinder option, yet it has become marred by failed executions and challenges in acquiring the necessary medications.

In recent times, though, a few states have reexamined firing squads as a substitute for lethal injection. Deborah Denno, a criminologist at Fordham School of Law, states that firing squads have proven to be fairly dependable, with only two instances of failed executions reported. Denno has suggested that firing squads could be a more humane option than lethal injection, since they tend to be faster and less likely to have mistakes.

In South Carolina, Sigmon’s choice of the firing squad instead of other methods has ignited discussion. His lawyer, Gerald “Bo” King, mentioned that Sigmon opted for the firing squad since the other options appeared more unfavorable. The execution will be conducted by volunteer officers, with Sigmon secured to a chair and a target positioned over his heart.

As the US struggles with the moral and practical aspects of capital punishment, the implementation of firing squads brings up difficult issues regarding justice and the worth of human life.