The firing squad has a complicated history in the United States. It was once used to punish mutiny and desertion, and even served as a form of frontier justice. Today, some people see it as a more humane method of execution compared to lethal injection.
This Friday, South Carolina will carry out its first execution by firing squad in 15 years. Brad Sigmon, who killed his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 2001, opted for this method over the electric chair and lethal injection.
Since 1608, at least 144 people have been executed by firing squad in America, mostly in Utah. The last three executions by this method occurred after 1977, when capital punishment resumed. Gary Gilmore, the first in that group, gained media attention when he voluntarily chose to be executed. His last words were, “Let’s do it.”
Currently, five states—Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah—allow firing squads under certain conditions.
Here’s a brief look at the firing squad’s history in the U.S.
Early Uses: 1608-1865
The first recorded execution by firing squad happened in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1608. Captain George Kendall was executed for suspected mutiny. Years later, archaeologists found his bullet-ridden body in the fort’s walls.
During the American Revolution, firing squads were used to punish soldiers who deserted. In 1776, General George Washington spared a soldier, Ebenezer Leffingwell, who was on the verge of execution. At the last moment, a chaplain announced he would live, shocking the assembled crowd.
During the Civil War, firing squads created a frightening spectacle to deter soldiers from misbehavior. At least 185 men faced firing squads in that conflict.
The Old West: 1860s-1915
In the 1800s, firing squads were mainly used in Utah, where lawmakers allowed three execution methods: shooting, hanging, or beheading. The first execution by firing squad took place in a courthouse but disappointed many who had gathered outside to witness it.
Besides Utah, the only other state to carry out an execution by firing squad since 1900 was Nevada in 1913. They designed a device that fired three guns simultaneously to address a shortage of volunteers.
Firing squad executions in Utah included the notorious case of labor activist Joe Hill in 1915, who maintained his innocence until the end.
Modern Times
While firing squads fell out of favor due to perceptions of barbarism, lethal injections initially seemed like a more humane choice. However, over time, lethal injections have also had their share of problems, often leading states to reconsider firing squads.
Recently, there has been renewed interest in firing squads due to issues with obtaining the drugs needed for lethal injection. In Idaho, lawmakers are discussing a bill to make firing squads the main method of execution.
Experts, including criminologist Deborah Denno, suggest that firing squads might be more reliable and less prone to mistakes compared to lethal injections. Supporters argue that with trained marksmen and better oversight, modern executions by firing squad could minimize suffering.
As Brad Sigmon prepares for his execution, he and his attorney believe that firing squad is the less painful option among the choices available to him. His execution will follow many traditional practices, with a hooded inmate and a target over his heart. Despite the modern context, the scene would look familiar to those who witnessed executions in Utah over a century ago.
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Crime, Capital punishment, Utah, Brad Sigmon, Sonia Sotomayor, South Carolina, Idaho, Legal proceedings, General news, Domestic News, MS State Wire, OK State Wire, SC State Wire, VA State Wire, ID State Wire, UT State Wire, NV State Wire, U.S. news, Christopher Q. Cutler, George Kendall, Deborah Denno, Mark Smith, Wallace Wilkerson, George Washington, Joseph Hillstrom, Ebenezer Leffingwell, Gary Gilmore, Eliseo Mares, Supreme Court of the United States, U.S. News
