Three years after overhauling its death chamber, South Carolina is preparing for its first firing squad execution on Friday. The condemned prisoner, Brad Sigmon, chose this method over lethal injection or electrocution due to concerns about recent lethal injection incidents in the state. The controversy over lethal injection led to the firing squad becoming an alternative method of capital punishment in South Carolina.
This execution method is uncommon in the United States, with only three firing squad executions since 1976, all in Utah. However, more states, including South Carolina and Idaho, are turning to the firing squad due to issues with obtaining lethal injection drugs and the perceived reliability of this method. However, concerns have been raised about the humaneness of this method and the psychological impact on those involved.
The last firing squad execution in Utah, which took place in 2010, involved a quick and clinical procedure. Witnesses described the shooter aiming at a target on the inmate’s chest, leading to a swift and seemingly painless death. While some family members found closure in this method of execution, others, including the brother of the executed inmate, were haunted by the experience.
In South Carolina, the firing squad execution will involve a three-person team shooting live ammunition at the inmate from behind a wall. Mental health support is provided to staff members involved in the execution process. Despite concerns about the impact of witnessing or participating in a firing squad execution, proponents argue that when carried out correctly, this method results in a quick and relatively painless death.
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