Idaho becomes first state to prefer death by firing squad for executions

Idaho has officially become the first state in the U. S. to prefer death by firing squad for executions, following Governor Brad Little's signing of the bill on March 16, 2025. This decision comes shortly after Brad Sigmon's execution in South Carolina, where the firing squad was used for the first time in over 15 years, raising discussions on execution methods nationwide. The legislation, which received strong support from Idaho's Republican-majority legislature, also maintains lethal injection as a backup option.

Currently, Idaho has nine inmates on death row, with no executions conducted in the state for over a dozen years. The new law could significantly affect the case of Bryan Kohberger, accused of murdering four University of Idaho students, as prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty if convicted. This development underscores the ongoing debates regarding the effectiveness and ethical implications of lethal injection, especially highlighted by a recent failed execution attempt in Idaho. Advocates argue that the firing squad is a more reliable and humane alternative, while opponents express concerns about its morality. As the state moves forward with this change, the implications for capital punishment practices across the country remain to be seen.