Idaho’s Bold Move

Idaho has officially entered the chat with the most controversial execution method, and they're bringing firing squads front and center. Lawmakers are pushing to make firing squads the go-to for carrying out the death penalty. If passed, Idaho will be making U.S. history as the first state to prioritize the method.

Why the Switch To Firing Squads?

Idaho's main execution is lethal injection, but there's a problem. It's been anything but smooth. The state has struggled to secure the necessary drugs causing delays. Gerald Pizzuto Jr. is still waiting for his execution years after the state has come up short on the chemicals, then there's Thomas Creech where the officials cound't even find a vein to carry out the process.

Also, entering the chat is Staet Representative Bruce Skaug, who sees having a firing squad as the answer. He claims that the method is cleaner from a legal standpoint. The state has even set aside $750,000 to build facilities, and if approved the law would take effect in July of 2026.

What Now?

Well, only Utah has gone down this path with their most recent case back in 2010. Several other states like Mississippi and South Carolina keep firing squads as a Plan B. Reactions are split and some people think it's step back into the wild west. We have nine people in Idaho sitting on deathrow and it sure looks like the state want to make sure the show goes on.

(source: Newsweek)