South Carolina is set to make headlines on Friday as it prepares to execute Brad Sigmon by firing squad, the first such execution in the United States in 15 years. Sigmon, who was convicted of brutally murdering his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 2001, chose this method over lethal injection and the electric chair, citing concerns about the alternatives.
The history of firing squads in the U.S. stretches back to colonial times, with the first recorded execution occurring in 1608 when George Kendall was shot for alleged mutiny. Throughout American history, firing squads have been employed as a means of public execution, particularly during the Civil War, where they were used to instill fear and maintain discipline among soldiers. Over the years, however, the prevalence of firing squads has significantly declined, especially with the rise of lethal injection as a supposedly more humane method of execution in the 1980s.
Despite its decline, some states, including Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah, still permit firing squads under specific circumstances. Recent discussions around execution methods have reignited interest in firing squads, with some experts suggesting they may be less prone to error compared to lethal injections, which have faced numerous controversies due to botched procedures.
As Sigmon’s execution approaches, his choice has prompted debates about the ethics and efficacy of various execution methods. His attorney, Gerald “Bo” King, indicated that Sigmon opted for the firing squad because he feared the potential suffering associated with the alternatives. This upcoming execution not only marks a significant moment in the history of capital punishment in the U.S. but also raises important questions about the future of execution methods and their implications on human rights.