The United States carried out its first execution by firing squad in 15 years on Friday, March 7, 2025.
The execution took place in South Carolina and involved Brad Sigmon, a 67-year-old man convicted of double murder.
Key Details:
- Conviction: Sigmon was found guilty of murdering his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 2001 using a baseball bat. His crime was part of a failed plan to kidnap his ex-girlfriend.
- Execution Method: Sigmon chose the firing squad over other methods, such as the electric chair or lethal injection, citing concerns about the potential pain and suffering associated with those alternatives.
- Execution Process: The execution was carried out by three volunteer prison employees who fired rifles at Sigmon from a distance of 15 feet. He was pronounced dead at 6:08 PM local time.
- Historical Context: This marks the first use of a firing squad in the US since 2010, when Utah carried out a similar execution. South Carolina is one of five states that still authorize the use of firing squads under certain circumstances.
The execution has reignited debates about the death penalty and the methods used, with critics calling for its abolition and supporters emphasizing its role in justice.
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