For the first time in 15 years, the United States is set to carry out an execution by firing squad. On Friday, South Carolina will execute Brad Sigmon, a 67-year-old convicted of a brutal double murder in 2001. His case marks a significant moment in the country’s ongoing debate over capital punishment and the methods used to carry out the death penalty.
A Controversial Execution Method Resurfaces
The use of firing squads in the U.S. has a long and complex history. This method, once commonly used to punish military offenses such as desertion and mutiny, has largely fallen out of favor in modern times. While many see it as outdated and inhumane, others argue that it may be a more effective and reliable alternative to lethal injection, which has become increasingly problematic due to drug shortages and botched executions.
Sigmon, who was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend’s parents, chose to die by firing squad rather than face the electric chair or lethal injection. With his final appeal rejected by the South Carolina Supreme Court, his execution is now set to proceed.
The History of Execution by Firing Squad in the U.S.
Early Uses: 1608–1865
The first recorded execution by shooting in America took place in 1608 in Jamestown, Virginia. Captain George Kendall, suspected of plotting mutiny, was executed by firing squad. Throughout the American Revolution and the Civil War, firing squads were used as a form of public punishment meant to discourage soldiers from deserting.
During the Civil War, executions by firing squad were rare but designed to make a powerful statement. Soldiers sentenced to death would often be blindfolded and forced to sit on their own coffins as they were shot. Historical accounts suggest that at least 185 men were executed by firing squad during the war.
Firing Squads in the Old West: 1860s–1915
Firing squads were used primarily in Utah, where lawmakers in 1851 gave convicted murderers three options for execution: hanging, beheading, or shooting. Public executions by firing squad drew large crowds, though some were disappointed when executions were carried out in private courthouses.
Nevada experimented with a mechanical firing squad in 1913, using a device that fired three guns via a string-pulling mechanism. The system was designed to avoid putting responsibility on individual executioners, but it was never widely adopted.
One of the most infamous botched firing squad executions occurred in Utah in 1877. Wallace Wilkerson, convicted of killing a man over a card game, flinched at the last moment, causing the bullets to miss his heart. He reportedly took 15 agonizing minutes to die.
Among the most famous firing squad executions was that of Joe Hill in 1915. Hill, a labor activist and songwriter, maintained his innocence until his death. His execution was seen by many as politically motivated, fueling debates about the fairness of capital punishment.
Modern Executions: Lethal Injection vs. Firing Squad
In the 20th century, states moved away from firing squads in favor of lethal injection, which was seen as a more humane and controlled method of execution. However, over time, lethal injection has faced increasing scrutiny. Issues with obtaining the necessary drugs and reports of botched executions have led some states to reconsider firing squads as an alternative.
Currently, five states—Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah—permit firing squads in certain circumstances. In Utah, two inmates on death row have requested this method, citing concerns over lethal injection. Idaho lawmakers recently passed a bill making firing squads the primary execution method due to difficulties securing lethal injection drugs.
Experts like Deborah Denno, a criminologist at Fordham School of Law, argue that firing squads may actually be one of the least painful execution methods. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor echoed this sentiment in 2017, stating that firing squads provide “near-instant” death and could be considered less cruel than lethal injection.
What to Expect in South Carolina’s Execution
Brad Sigmon’s execution will follow a structured protocol. He will be strapped to a chair in the execution chamber, with a hood placed over his head. A target will be placed over his heart, and multiple trained marksmen will fire at the same time. One of the rifles will contain a blank round so that none of the shooters will know for certain if they fired a fatal shot.
While bullets are now more powerful and precise than they were in past centuries, the overall process remains largely unchanged from executions carried out in Utah over a century ago.
The Debate Continues
The upcoming execution of Brad Sigmon is expected to reignite debates about capital punishment in the U.S. While some argue that the death penalty serves justice and deters crime, others believe it is an outdated and flawed system that disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
The method of execution is also a point of controversy. While some believe that lethal injection should remain the standard, others—like Denno and Sotomayor—argue that firing squads may be a more humane alternative. The fact that only two firing squad executions in recorded history have been botched adds to the argument that it is a more reliable method.
For now, South Carolina’s decision to carry out its first firing squad execution in 15 years marks a significant moment in the history of the death penalty in America. As states continue to struggle with execution methods, the debate over whether the firing squad is a cruel relic of the past or a practical solution for the present is likely to continue for years to come.
