First Firing Squad Execution in 15 Years in the U.S.

Columbia, S.C., September 22, 2025

News Summary

Brad Sigmon, a 67-year-old inmate, was executed by firing squad in South Carolina, marking the first such execution in the United States for 15 years. Sigmon, sentenced to death for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, opted for this method amid concerns about the humane nature of lethal injections. The execution has reignited the debate surrounding capital punishment, emphasizing the rising scrutiny over execution methods and their moral implications.

Columbia, S.C. – Brad Sigmon, a 67-year-old inmate, was executed by firing squad on March 7, 2025, marking the first such execution in the United States in 15 years. Sigmon had been sentenced to death in 2002 for the brutal double murder of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, William and Gladys Larke, which he committed using a baseball bat.

His execution was conducted at the South Carolina Department of Corrections, following Sigmon’s choice to opt for the firing squad rather than lethal injection or electrocution. This decision stemmed from rising concerns about the humane nature of lethal injections, which have faced significant scrutiny over the years.

The state’s death chamber had been inactive for 13 years prior to its reopening in September 2024, which has resulted in a surge of executions. Within a mere five-week period, South Carolina executed two inmates by firing squad and four by lethal injection. As of September 17, 2025, South Carolina accounted for four executions out of 31 that took place across 10 states, highlighting the state’s significant role in the current execution landscape.

Just before his execution, Governor Henry McMaster denied Sigmon’s clemency application, and the execution was carried out with precision. A target was placed over Sigmon’s heart and a hood was put over his head before three shooters simultaneously fired .308 Winchester rifles. Witnesses reported seeing a gunshot wound appear on Sigmon’s body before the gunshots rang out.

In his final statement, Sigmon expressed a desire for love and urged fellow Christians to advocate for the abolition of the death penalty, indicating moral considerations regarding his case. His attorney criticized the choice of the firing squad as a method that inflicts a horrific and violent death, but acknowledged that it was his only remaining option due to ongoing complications with lethal injections.

The execution triggered protests from death penalty opponents, including the brother of the last person executed by firing squad in Utah. Sigmon’s case highlighted the recent historical pause in South Carolina’s executions, attributed to challenges in obtaining lethal injection drugs and various legal hurdles.

Currently, South Carolina faces growing scrutiny over the conditions and methods of its executions. There are emerging critiques regarding the mental health care provided for prison staff involved in these processes, raising concerns about their well-being under such high-stress circumstances.

The rate of executions in South Carolina has significantly surged, correlating with political trends and renewed legislative support for capital punishment, emphasizing it as a component of “tough-on-crime” policies. Experts have observed fluctuations in execution rates throughout history, often tied to socio-cultural conditions, suggesting that recent trends may reflect broader societal attitudes towards crime and punishment.

The case of Brad Sigmon and the methods employed in his execution have generated renewed debates surrounding the morality and practicality of capital punishment in the United States, fueling discussions on the ethical implications of such practices.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier
• Google Search: firing squad executions
• NBC News
• Wikipedia: Capital punishment in the United States
• The Guardian
• Google Scholar: firing squad execution
• USA Today
• Encyclopedia Britannica: death penalty
• Times of India
• Google News: capital punishment

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.