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South Carolina's First Firing Squad Execution in 15 Years
On Friday, March 7, 2025, South Carolina carried out its first firing squad execution in 15 years, marking a significant event in the state's history of capital punishment. Brad Sigmon, a 67-year-old man convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend's parents in 2001, was put to death by this controversial method. This article details the execution, Sigmon's reasons for choosing the firing squad, and the ongoing debate surrounding capital punishment in South Carolina.
Sigmon's Choice and the Execution
Sigmon opted for the firing squad over lethal injection and the electric chair, citing fears of the latter "cooking him alive" and concerns about the undisclosed details of the state's lethal injection process. Three prison employees, acting as volunteers, carried out the execution using rifles. The execution was witnessed by a select group, including family members of the victims, Sigmon's legal team, and members of the media. Witnesses described the event as swift and violent, with Sigmon's death being declared at 6:08 pm.
The Method and Final Moments
Sigmon, wearing a black jumpsuit and hood with a target affixed to his chest, sat 15 feet from the three unseen executioners. The shots, fired simultaneously, resulted in a swift death, though witnesses noted visible bodily reactions and a small amount of blood. His last meal consisted of fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, biscuits, cheesecake, and sweet tea. His lawyer read a statement on his behalf, urging fellow Christians to advocate for an end to the death penalty.
South Carolina's Death Penalty Debate
Sigmon's execution reignited the debate surrounding capital punishment in South Carolina. Protests occurred outside the prison, highlighting the moral and ethical concerns surrounding the death penalty. While some emphasized Sigmon's remorse and his dedication to faith during his imprisonment, others argued that the state's resumption of executions, after a 13-year pause due to lethal injection drug shortages, was a step backward. The state's decision to reinstate firing squads as an execution method has also drawn considerable criticism.
Looking Ahead
With the state's resumption of executions, and the availability of the firing squad as an alternative method, South Carolina's death row remains a focus of ongoing debate and legal challenges. The state's execution schedule is expected to continue at five-week intervals, meaning further executions are imminent.
