First US Execution by Firing Squad in 15 Years: Brad Sigmon Shot for Double Homicide

Brad Sigmon's execution raises discussions about the death penalty and methods of execution in America.

In a historic moment for capital punishment, South Carolina inmate Brad Sigmon, 67, was executed by firing squad on Friday, making him the first individual in the United States to face this method in over 15 years. Sigmon was convicted of the brutal 2001 murders of David and Gladys Larke, the parents of his ex-girlfriend, whom he bludgeoned with a baseball bat. He also attempted to kidnap his ex-girlfriend, who managed to escape after he fired at her.

Sigmon requested execution by firing squad, opting for this controversial method over the alternatives of lethal injection and electric chair. Authorities confirmed he was shot shortly after 6:00 PM local time, with three volunteers firing rifles from a distance of 15 feet, targeting his chest. He was pronounced dead at 6:08 PM.

Witnesses reported that Sigmon expressed love and remorse in his final statement, denouncing the death penalty by quoting biblical passages. His execution process began with placing a bullseye target over his heart, and a hood was placed over his head just before the shots were fired. Amidst the solemn atmosphere, three members of the Larke family were present to witness the execution.

Throughout the procedure, prison guards equipped witnesses with ear plugs, reinforcing the weight of the moment. Sigmon’s lawyer had sought a last-minute stay of execution, citing issues of mental health and questionable disclosures regarding lethal injection methods. Despite efforts to appeal for his life, the execution proceeded as planned.

Anti-death penalty activists gathered outside the prison before the execution, protesting against capital punishment with messages advocating for the sanctity of all life. Medical professionals continue to debate the implications of the firing squad method, particularly in terms of the potential for pain inflicted by the specially designed bullets intended to maximize damage.

Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1977, only three individuals have been executed by firing squad, all in Utah, the last being Ronnie Lee Gardner in 2010. This execution reopens a conversation about the ethics and practices surrounding capital punishment in America, particularly as states explore various methods amid controversies surrounding lethal injection protocols.