Utah to bring back firing squad executions
Rep. Paul Ray argues that while death by firing squad may sound like the Wild West, it’s more humane than lethal injection.
A Utah lawmaker wants to bring back firing squad executions as an option for criminals sentenced to death.
Republican Rep. Paul Ray of Clearfield argues that death by firing squad may be a more humane alternative than lethal injection, and says that while it may seem old fashioned, there’s no suffering involved, the Associated Press reports.
“It sounds like the Wild West, but it’s probably the most humane way to kill somebody,” Ray said. “The prisoner dies instantly. It sounds draconian. It sounds really bad, but the minute the bullet hits your heart, you’re dead. There’s no suffering.”
Ray plans to pitch his proposal in January during Utah’s next legislative session. Utah has utilized firing squads in the past, with the last execution occurring as recent as 2010, when five officers used Winchester .30-caliber rifles to execute Ronnie Lee Gardner.
Utah has previously used firing squads to carry out executions, even as recent as 2010.
Other states have considered reinstating firing squads as well. In January Guns.com reported Wyoming and Missouri were contemplating the idea, and back in 2011 Florida lawmakers pushed for firing squads as well.
Ray says the whole point of using a firing squad is to avoid unnecessary suffering. While “things can go wrong with any method of execution,” he admits, this solution “is efficient and effective.”
[ Associated Press ]
Read More On:
Latest Reviews
-
AMT Backup .380 Review: Fun With a Retro Pocket Pistol
I’m rather fascinated with pocket guns, so when I came across this AMT Backup 380 in Guns.com's Certified Used stockpile, I had to give it a try. It's an interesting and affordable retro pistol.
Read More -
Winchester Model 100 in .243 Win Stands the Test of Time
Every now and then I happen upon a neat little rifle I’ve never heard of, like this Winchester Model 100. Let's see if this mid-century deer hunter chambered in .243 Winchester still has what it takes.
Read More -
Palm Full of Parabellum: A Review of the 9mm Bond Arms Stubby
Texas-based Bond Arms, the country's go-to maker of double-barreled derringer-style handguns in usable calibers, recently introduced an ultra-compact new 9mm-- the aptly named Stubby.
Read More -
.243 Winchester: Spicy Short-Action Cartridge with Staying Power
The short-action .243 Winchester is a long-lasting, incredibly versatile chambering, but is it still relevant in a world of newer 6mm cartridges? Let's dig in and find out.
Read More
