The Resurgence of Firing Squads in Modern Capital Punishment
The use of firing squads as a method of execution has a long and complex history in the United States, dating back to colonial times. This method has served various purposes over the centuries, from punishing mutiny and desertion to acting as a form of frontier justice. In modern times, it has reemerged as a controversial yet seemingly more humane alternative to other execution methods like lethal injection. On Friday, South Carolina is set to execute Brad Sigmon, a man convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 2001, by firing squad—the first such execution in the U.S. in 15 years. Sigmon chose this method over lethal injection and the electric chair, reflecting a trend where some view firing squads as a more reliable and less painful way to carry out the death penalty.
A Historical Perspective: Firing Squads in America
The history of firing squads in the U.S. is deeply intertwined with its colonial and military past. The first recorded execution by firing squad occurred in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1608, when Captain George Kendall was shot for suspected mutiny and espionage. During the American Revolution, firing squads were used to punish deserters, though some sentences were commuted at the last moment, as in the case of Ebenezer Leffingwell, a soldier spared by George Washington. The Civil War saw widespread use of firing squads to maintain discipline among soldiers, with at least 185 executions documented during this period. These events were often public spectacles designed to instill fear and deter others from similar acts of defiance.
The Old West further cemented the firing squad’s place in American history. In Utah, where the method was most commonly used, lawmakers in 1851 allowed shooting as one of three possible punishments for murder. The first such execution took place in a courthouse enclosure, much to the disappointment of a crowd gathered outside hoping to witness it. Nevada also employed firing squads, but their use was rare and often problematic. In 1913, the state devised a system of strings and triggers to fire rifles simultaneously, as it struggled to find volunteers willing to participate in such executions.
Legal Challenges and Notable Cases
The use of firing squads has not been without controversy, and several cases have challenged its constitutionality. In 1877, Wallace Wilkerson, a man sentenced to death for murder in Utah, argued that execution by firing squad would violate the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The Supreme Court disagreed, ruling that the method did not inflict the kind of terror and suffering associated with older, more brutal forms of execution. However, Wilkerson’s execution was botched; he died slowly and painfully after the shooters missed their mark. This case, along with others, highlights both the legality and the practical challenges of carrying out executions by firing squad.
One of the most famous firing squad executions in U.S. history was that of labor activist and songwriter Joe Hill in 1915. Convicted of murdering a grocer and his son, Hill maintained his innocence until the end. His execution drew widespread attention and sparked debates about justice, labor rights, and the death penalty. More recently, in 1977, Gary Gilmore became the first person to be executed in the U.S. after a 10-year moratorium on capital punishment. His decision to waive his appeals and volunteer for execution by firing squad captured the nation’s attention and reignited discussions about the ethics of capital punishment.
Firing Squads in the Modern Era
In recent years, the firing squad has reemerged as a topic of debate in the context of capital punishment. Lethal injection, once seen as a more humane alternative to older methods, has become increasingly problematic. Botched executions, difficulties in obtaining the necessary drugs, and concerns about pain and suffering have led some states to reconsider firing squads. Five states—Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah—currently allow firing squads under certain circumstances. In Idaho, lawmakers recently passed a bill making firing squads the primary method of execution, while Utah has seen two death row inmates opt for this method in recent years.
Deborah Denno, a criminologist at Fordham School of Law, has argued that firing squads are a more reliable and potentially less painful method of execution compared to lethal injection. She points to the rarity of botched firing squad executions, citing only two such cases in U.S. history—those of Wallace Wilkerson and Eliseo Mares in 1951. While opponents argue that firing squads are barbaric and inhumane, proponents contend that, when carried out with proper oversight and precision, they represent a more dignified and efficient way to carry out the death penalty.
The Execution Process: Then and Now
The process of execution by firing squad has evolved over the years, but its core elements remain the same. Historically, the condemned person was often blindfolded, bound to a chair, and subjected to a firing squad of several marksmen, one of whom might be given a blank cartridge to alleviate guilt. Today, the process is more standardized, with precise weapons and careful planning to ensure a quick and fatal shot to the heart. In South Carolina, Brad Sigmon will be hooded, strapped to a chair, and presented with an opportunity to deliver final words before the executioners fire. While the method has been updated with modern technology and protocols, its essence remains unchanged from the executions of the past.
The Broader Debate on Capital Punishment
The resurgence of firing squads as a method of execution raises important questions about the morality, legality, and practicality of capital punishment in the U.S. Advocates argue that firing squads offer a more humane and reliable alternative to other methods, while critics view them as a brutal and outdated practice that has no place in modern society. As states grapple with the challenges of lethal injection, the debate over firing squads reflects broader tensions in the national conversation about justice, punishment, and the value of human life. While some see the firing squad as a step forward in the evolution of capital punishment, others view it as a step backward, a reminder of a violent and unforgiving past. As the U.S. continues to navigate the complexities of the death penalty, the firing squad remains a contentious and deeply symbolic part of the conversation.
