By Gill Bikram Singh 
The United States has witnessed its first execution by firing squad in more than 15 years as South Carolina carried out the controversial execution of 67-year-old Brad Sigmon on Friday evening. The decision to use this method has reignited debates over capital punishment and its ethics.
Sigmon, the oldest person to be executed in the state’s history, selected the firing squad over lethal injection and electrocution due to concerns about the painful effects of previous injection executions. His execution is part of South Carolina’s renewed efforts to resume the death penalty after a 13-year hiatus.
A Controversial Method Revived
Under South Carolina law, inmates on death row must choose from three execution methods: lethal injection, electrocution, or firing squad. Sigmon’s choice was driven by reports that previous lethal injections resulted in prolonged suffering, with some inmates reportedly gasping for air and experiencing symptoms of suffocation.
The execution took place in a designated chamber where Sigmon was restrained before three prison officers fired at him from behind a partition. Witnesses described a violent scene, with his body reacting dramatically to the shots. Concerns were also raised about the safety of the execution setup, including the risk of bullets ricocheting.
Final Words and Public Backlash
Before his death, Sigmon used his final statement to call on Christians to oppose capital punishment, referencing biblical teachings on forgiveness. “We are now under God’s grace and mercy,” he said, urging a shift away from the “eye for an eye” mentality.
His execution has sparked significant backlash from human rights groups, religious leaders, and legal experts who argue that the firing squad is a cruel and outdated method. Some also questioned whether his mental health history was properly considered during his trial.
Renewed Debate Over Capital Punishment
South Carolina has been under scrutiny for its handling of executions, particularly after passing laws that protect the identity of lethal injection drug suppliers. Critics argue that the state’s requirement for inmates to choose between execution methods amounts to state-enforced cruelty.
Despite appeals for clemency, Governor Henry McMaster refused to intervene. Sigmon’s death marks a significant moment in South Carolina’s push to revive capital punishment, fueling ongoing debates about the morality and legality of the death penalty in the U.S.