A death row inmate in South Carolina was executed by firing squad on Friday. This method, while legal, sparks debate across the nation as many view it as cruel. Brad Sigmon, aged 67, chose this method last month. He was found guilty in 2001 of murdering his ex-girlfriend’s parents. Sigmon also threatened his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint but she managed to escape unharmed.
The execution happened shortly after 6 p.m. Eastern Time on March 7. Sigmon’s death marks a significant event—it was the first firing squad execution in South Carolina since the method was legalized in 2021.
Governor Henry McMaster denied Sigmon’s request for clemency, which would have changed his sentence to life without parole. Interestingly, no governor in South Carolina has granted clemency in the nearly five decades since the death penalty was reinstated. Additionally, the state’s Supreme Court rejected an appeal from Sigmon to postpone the execution, citing his concerns over not knowing enough about lethal injection.
Since 1976, only three people have been executed by firing squad in the United States, all in Utah. Sigmon’s execution was the first of its kind in more than 15 years. His attorney, Gerald King, mentioned that Sigmon was aware that a firing squad execution would be violent but believed it was his best option. He argued that other methods, like electrocution, could lead to excruciating pain, and lethal injection posed risks of a drawn-out death—a concern raised by other recent executions in South Carolina.
Understanding Firing Squad Executions
Firing squad executions typically involve the prisoner being restrained in a chair facing a wall. The condemned can say any last words before a squad stands about 20 feet away. Sandbags are set up around to prevent bullets from bouncing around. In South Carolina, three volunteers from the Department of Corrections each carry a weapon loaded with live ammunition. The prisoner usually dies from massive blood loss.
Firing Squad Execution History
Throughout U.S. history, there have been 34 executions by firing squad, and it surprisingly has a 0% botched execution rate. In contrast, lethal injection has a higher botched rate of 7.12%. The last firing squad execution before Sigmon was in 2010.
States That Allow Firing Squad Executions
As of now, the following states permit firing squad executions under certain circumstances:
- Idaho: Firing squad can be used if lethal injection is unavailable.
- Mississippi: Corrections officials can choose from lethal injection, electrocution, firing squad, or nitrogen hypoxia.
- Oklahoma: Firing squad is an option if other methods are deemed unconstitutional or unavailable.
- South Carolina: Inmates can select from electrocution, firing squad, or lethal injection.
- Utah: If lethal injection drugs are not available or are ruled unconstitutional, firing squad becomes the method of choice.
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Source linkfiring squad, South Carolina, South Carolina Supreme Court, Department of Corrections, lethal injection, Brad Sigmon, execution method, Gerald King
