Utah is bringing back the firing squad thanks to Governor Gary Herbert, whom signed a bill into law Monday afternoon that allows the state to use the method as an alternative when lethal injection drugs are not available. The state’s last firing squad execution took place in 2010 after having the option requested by an inmate awaiting death row.
Marty Carpenter, a spokesperson for Herbert, explained in a statement, “Those who voiced opposition to this bill are primarily arguing against capital punishment in general and that decision has already been made in our state… We regret anyone ever commits the heinous crime of aggravated murder to merit the death penalty and we prefer to use our primary method of lethal injection when such a sentence is issued. However, when a jury makes the decision and a judge signs a death warrant, enforcing that lawful decision is the obligation of the executive branch.”
According to the AP, Utah isn’t alone in their alternative methods:
In Washington state, inmates can request hanging. In New Hampshire, hangings are fallback if lethal injections can’t be given. And an Oklahoma law would allow the state to use firing squads if lethal injections and electrocutions are ever declared unconstitutional.
Currently the state does not have lethal injection drugs on hand despite having numerous inmates on death row.
