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First U.S. Firing Squad Execution in 15 Years Sparks Debate

3/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Brad Sigmon, 67, faced a firing squad in South Carolina on March 7, 2025, becoming the first in the U.S. to be executed this way in 15 years. Convicted of a brutal double murder in 2001, Sigmon opted for this method, fearing the pain of lethal injection. His execution has sparked intense discussions on the ethics of capital punishment.

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Story summary

Brad Sigmon, 67, faced a firing squad in South Carolina on March 7, 2025, becoming the first in the U.S. to be executed this way in 15 years. Convicted of a brutal double murder in 2001, Sigmon opted for this method, fearing the pain of lethal injection. His execution has sparked intense discussions on the ethics of capital punishment.