South Carolina Executes Man by Firing Squad, Marking a Historic First Since 2010

In a significant and controversial event, South Carolina executed 67-year-old Brad Sigmon by firing squad on Friday, March 7, 2025. This marks the first time in 15 years that the United States has employed this method of execution. Sigmon, who was convicted in 2001 for the brutal murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents using a baseball bat, was put to death at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia. The execution took place at 6:05 PM local time, with a physician pronouncing him dead just three minutes later.

A Gruesome Scene

Witnesses to the execution described a chilling atmosphere as Sigmon was brought into the death chamber. Dressed in a black jumpsuit, he was strapped to a chair with a small red bullseye placed over his heart, a stark reminder of the finality of the moment. His attorney, Gerald “Bo” King, read a final statement on his behalf, in which Sigmon expressed love and urged Christians to advocate for an end to the death penalty.

As the execution unfolded, a hood was placed over Sigmon’s head. The firing squad, composed of volunteers from the South Carolina Department of Corrections, took their positions approximately 15 feet away. “The shots were all fired at once,” reported Anna Dobbins, a journalist from WYFF News 4. “There was a splash of blood when the bullets entered his body,” she added, capturing the grim reality of the execution.

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King, who witnessed the event, described it as horrifying and violent, labeling it a “bloody spectacle.” He expressed disbelief that South Carolina would resort to such a method in 2025, emphasizing the brutality of the execution process.

A Choice of Methods

Sigmon had been presented with several options for his execution: lethal injection, the electric chair, or the firing squad. According to King, Sigmon chose the firing squad after feeling cornered into making a decision. “If he chose lethal injection, he risked the prolonged death suffered by all three men South Carolina has executed since September,” King explained. He further criticized the electric chair, suggesting it would result in a torturous death, calling both alternatives “monstrous.”

The last time a firing squad was used in the United States was in Utah in 2010, with previous instances occurring in 1996 and 1977. Since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976, lethal injection has been the primary method of execution. However, growing concerns regarding the protocols for lethal injections have led some states to explore alternative methods. Alabama, for instance, has recently conducted four executions using nitrogen gas, a method that has drawn condemnation from UN experts as cruel and inhumane.

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The Broader Context of Capital Punishment

Currently, five states in the U.S.—South Carolina, Utah, Idaho, Mississippi, and Oklahoma—have authorized the use of firing squads as an alternative execution method. In 2025 alone, there have been six executions in the country, following a total of 25 in 2024. The death penalty remains abolished in 23 states, while others, including California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania, have placed moratoriums on its use.

The revival of firing squads raises questions about the future of capital punishment in the United States. Former President Donald Trump, a staunch advocate for the death penalty, has called for its expansion, arguing that it should be applied “for the vilest crimes.” As discussions around the ethics and effectiveness of capital punishment continue, the use of firing squads may spark further debate among lawmakers, human rights advocates, and the public.

The execution of Brad Sigmon serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding the death penalty in America, igniting renewed discussions about justice, morality, and the methods employed in carrying out capital punishment. As states grapple with the implications of their choices, the conversation about the future of the death penalty remains far from settled.