Idaho has made history as Governor Brad Little signed legislation establishing the firing squad as the state’s primary method of execution, a move that positions Idaho as the only state in the nation to prefer this method for capital punishment.
Key Takeaways
- Idaho Governor Brad Little signed legislation making firing squad the preferred execution method, effective next year, making Idaho the only state with this designation.
- The decision follows a botched lethal injection attempt on death row inmate Thomas Eugene Creech in February when medical personnel could not establish an IV line.
- Over two-thirds of Idaho’s Republican-controlled legislature supported the bill, which retains lethal injection as a backup method.
- The legislation could affect Idaho’s nine current death row inmates and potentially Bryan Kohberger, a suspect in the University of Idaho murders, if convicted and sentenced to death.
- South Carolina recently executed Brad Sigmon by firing squad, marking the first such execution in the United States in 15 years.
A Shift in Execution Protocol
On Wednesday, Governor Brad Little formalized Idaho’s transition to firing squad as its preferred method of execution. This legislative action makes Idaho unique among all states in designating firing squad as its primary capital punishment protocol. The change comes after Idaho previously legalized firing squad in 2023 as a backup method, joining Utah, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Mississippi as states that permit this execution method. The new law is scheduled to take effect next year, potentially impacting the nine inmates currently on Idaho’s death row.
The legislation represents a significant reversal for Governor Little, who had previously expressed a preference for lethal injection. However, practical difficulties with implementing lethal injection protocols have prompted this policy shift. Idaho has not carried out an execution in over a dozen years, with its most recent lethal injection attempt ending in failure. The state’s prison system has already begun preparations for the change, including remodeling its execution chamber to accommodate the new protocol.
Responding to Execution Challenges
Idaho’s decision to prioritize firing squad comes directly in response to a failed execution attempt earlier this year. In February, medical personnel were unable to establish an intravenous line for Thomas Eugene Creech’s scheduled lethal injection after multiple attempts. This high-profile failure highlighted ongoing challenges with lethal injection protocols that have plagued many states, including difficulties obtaining execution drugs and finding medical professionals willing to participate in the procedure.
“One thing about this method, it’s pretty sure. It’s not going to be something that gets done part way.” – Sen. Doug Ricks
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Doug Ricks, argued that the firing squad method provides greater certainty and may be more humane than lethal injection when properly implemented. Supporters of the legislation point to medical studies suggesting that a properly conducted firing squad execution can cause death within seconds, potentially reducing suffering compared to problematic lethal injections that may take much longer. The Idaho Department of Corrections has already begun preparing execution facilities to accommodate the firing squad method.
Mixed Legislative Response
The bill received strong support in Idaho’s Republican-controlled legislature, with more than two-thirds voting in favor. However, the decision was not without opposition. Some Republican lawmakers expressed concerns about the potential for botched firing squad executions, while Democrats criticized the method as barbaric and damaging to the state’s image. The debate highlighted fundamental disagreements about capital punishment implementation while largely accepting the practice itself.
“If we’re talking about terror, and we’re talking about barbaric, I think we should remember why this man is on death row in the first place” – Republican Sen. Brian Lenney
The timing of Idaho’s decision coincides with South Carolina’s recent execution of Brad Sigmon by firing squad, the first such execution in the United States in 15 years. This parallel development demonstrates a growing willingness among some states to return to older execution methods as challenges with lethal injection continue. Idaho’s new approach could influence other states facing similar difficulties with implementing capital punishment sentences.
Potential Impact on High-Profile Cases
The legislative change comes as Idaho prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Bryan Kohberger, accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022. If convicted and sentenced to death, Kohberger could potentially face execution by firing squad under the new law. This connection has drawn additional public attention to Idaho’s execution policy shift, with national media coverage linking the legislative change to the high-profile murder case.
“Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed his name on a bill Wednesday making Idaho the only state in the U.S. to have a firing squad designated as the preferred execution method for capital punishment, beginning next year.” – Idaho Gov. Brad Little
While Idaho becomes the first state to designate firing squad as its primary execution method, lethal injection remains available as a backup option. The legislation represents a pragmatic response to the practical difficulties states have encountered in implementing death sentences. As states continue to grapple with execution challenges, Idaho’s approach may provide one model for addressing the ongoing complications surrounding capital punishment in America.
Sources:
- Idaho becomes first state to prefer death by firing squad for executions
- Firing squad could become Idaho’s main execution method under a bill awaiting governor’s approval
