Brad Sigmon, a 67-year-old inmate, is set for execution on March 7, 2025. He has been on death row for over twenty years. Now, he has made a rare choice for his final moments. He has opted to face a firing squad instead of other methods.
This decision is very rare in the United States. In fact, Sigmon will be the first person to die this way in 15 years. Since 1976, only three other inmates have been executed by a firing squad. South Carolina law allows inmates to choose between a firing squad, the electric chair, or lethal injection.
Sigmon’s lawyers say he chose the firing squad to avoid a long or painful death. He felt the other options carried too many risks. He specifically wanted to avoid the electric chair and was concerned about recent issues with lethal injections.
The execution will occur at the Broad River Correctional Institution. During the process, Sigmon will be placed in a chair with a hood over his head. A target will be set over his heart. Three volunteers will then fire from 15 feet away.
While this method is controversial, Sigmon’s choice is legally binding. All of his legal appeals have been denied. He now waits for his scheduled date in March to face the chosen sentence.