First Firing Squad Execution in the US Since 2010

Historic Firing Squad Execution Marks US Judicial Shift

On March 7, 2025, South Carolina executed 67-year-old Brad Sigmon by firing squad, marking the first use of this execution method in the United States since 2010.

Background on Brad Sigmon:

• Crime: In 2001, Sigmon was convicted for the murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, David and Gladys Larke.
• Execution Choice: Facing options of lethal injection, electric chair, or firing squad, Sigmon selected the firing squad due to concerns about potential suffering associated with other methods.

Execution Details:

• Procedure: The execution took place at the Broad River Correctional Institution. Sigmon was strapped to a chair, and a three-member firing squad, positioned 15 feet away, carried out the execution. Witnesses reported that the process was swift.
• Final Meal: Sigmon’s last meal included Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy, biscuits, cheesecake, and sweet tea.
• Final Statement: In his last words, Sigmon expressed hope for the abolition of the death penalty, stating that only God has the authority to take lives.

Context and Implications:

This execution reignites discussions about the methods and ethics of capital punishment in the U.S. South Carolina had revised its execution protocols in 2021 to include the firing squad, aiming to address challenges related to lethal injection drug shortages.

The state’s decision underscores the ongoing debates surrounding humane practices in capital punishment.