UPDATE: The United States has executed its first prisoner by firing squad in over 15 years, marking a controversial moment in the ongoing debate over the death penalty. Brad Signmon, convicted of double murder, was executed on March 7, 2024, in a procedure that has reignited discussions about the humane nature of capital punishment.
This execution came as part of a troubling trend of botched executions in the US, where the Eighth Amendment prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment.” Reports from various execution attempts reveal disturbing accounts of prisoners enduring extreme pain and suffering. One notable case involved Clayton Lockett, who, in 2014, experienced a gruesome death, gasping for air for over 40 minutes after a failed lethal injection attempt.
In a new book titled The Volunteer: The Failure of the Death Penalty in America and One Inmate’s Quest to Die with Dignity, author Gianna Toboni recounts harrowing stories from death row, including the case of John Louis Evans, who suffered through three jolts of electricity during his execution, resulting in his body catching fire. These narratives highlight the often-overlooked human impact of the death penalty.
The use of firing squads has become more common following numerous botched lethal injections. In fact, 2022 was labeled the “year of the botched execution,” with several incidents leading to prolonged suffering. For example, Thomas Creech, the longest-serving prisoner on Idaho’s death row, had his execution postponed in February 2024 after medical staff struggled for over an hour to find a vein.
The return to firing squads, while viewed by some as a more “reliable” method, raises ethical questions. Former Utah state representative Paul Ray, an advocate for the firing squad, argues that the brutality of the crimes committed by inmates justifies the method’s use. He stated, “See what they did to their victims, and then let’s talk about being brutal.”
As the nation grapples with the implications of these executions, the conversation continues to evolve. With the rising scrutiny on the death penalty, observers are left to question what reforms, if any, might be on the horizon.
The situation remains fluid, with advocates on both sides of the issue demanding attention. As states reevaluate their capital punishment policies, the human stories behind these executions will undoubtedly shape the future of the death penalty in America.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
