Brad Sigmon, a 67-year-old inmate, was executed by firing squad in South Carolina on March 7, 2025, marking the first execution by this method in the United States in 15 years. This method, rarely used since the 1970s, was selected by Sigmon amid concerns over lethal injection protocols. He was convicted for the brutal murders of his ex-girlfriend's parents, David and Gladys Larke, in 2001.

Three volunteer prison employees executed Sigmon, who wore a black jumpsuit and a hood over his head with a target placed over his chest, from a distance of 15 feet. Witnesses reported that there was no countdown before the firing, which resulted in a violent and immediate outcome. According to a witness from the AP, the target "disappeared in blood" as Sigmon made several heavy breaths before succumbing to his injuries. The execution, which took place in a death chamber designed for such procedures, has evoked strong reactions from both supporters and adversaries of capital punishment.

Sigmon faced a difficult decision in choosing execution methods; he opted for the firing squad due to his fear that lethal injection might lead to a slow, painful death and concerns that the electric chair might "cook him alive." His legal team had previously urged the courts for transparency regarding the lethal injection drugs, but this request was denied.

In his final statement, Sigmon expressed his regret and denounced the death penalty in a plea meant to resonate with others of faith, urging an end to capital punishment, saying it was "an eye for an eye" that justified his death sentence. Activists and supporters gathered outside the prison, voicing their opposition to the death penalty, with some suggesting the state is reverting to more barbaric methods of justice.

The significance of Sigmon’s execution cannot be overstated as it has reignited debates over capital punishment methods within the United States, particularly the reintroduction of firing squads as an option. As the country grapples with the complexities of the death penalty, Sigmon's case may influence future legislative actions related to capital punishment practices.

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