In Boise, Idaho, lawmakers have passed a bill that could make death by firing squad the state’s primary method of execution. The Idaho Senate approved the measure on Wednesday. If Gov. Brad Little signs the bill, it will become effective next year.
The proposed legislation follows Idaho’s previous decision to list firing squads as a backup option only if lethal injection drugs couldn’t be obtained. The bill was introduced by Rep. Doug Ricks in response to the state’s problematic attempt last year to execute Thomas Eugene Creech, during which officials failed to locate a suitable vein for intravenous access. Ricks argues that a firing squad could be a more effective and humane alternative to other execution methods. He proposed using technology that would eliminate the necessity for volunteers to manually fire the shots.
“This method is quite dependable,” Ricks said at a recent bill hearing, suggesting a firing squad ensures execution is completed in full.
Idaho is not alone in considering firing squads. Currently, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah permit their use under certain conditions, though instances have been rare lately. Notably, South Carolina may soon carry out the first U.S. firing squad execution in 15 years for Brad Sigmon.
The Federal Defender Services of Idaho opted not to comment on the new bill, and the Idaho Department of Correction has not yet provided a response. Recently, the prison adapted its execution chamber to facilitate more invasive IV insertions, particularly near the heart, when difficulties arise in accessing veins in the arms or legs.
A rare dissenting voice came from Republican Sen. Daniel Foreman, a retired police officer and Air Force veteran. Foreman, who has witnessed shooting deaths firsthand, argued that they are not humane. He stated that the fallout from a failed firing squad execution could be extremely graphic and psychologically damaging.
Democratic Sen. Melissa Wintrow echoed similar concerns, calling the use of firing squads “barbaric” and suggesting it would reflect poorly on Idaho.
On the other hand, Republican Sen. Brian Lenney reminded fellow lawmakers about the rationale behind capital punishment and urged them to focus on the severity of the crimes committed by those on death row, like Creech.
