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Columbia, South Carolina: Historic Firing Squad Execution

News Summary

On March 7, 2025, Brad Sigmon became the first person executed by firing squad in the U.S. since 2010, marking a controversial moment in capital punishment history. Sigmon, who spent 23 years on death row for brutal murders, expressed a wish for the death penalty to end in his final moments. This execution raises debates about the ethics and humanity of capital punishment, particularly for those with mental health issues, as Columbia witnesses a chilling milestone.

Columbia, South Carolina: Historic Firing Squad Execution Marks a Dark Chapter

On March 7, 2025, at precisely 6:05 PM, Brad Sigmon, a 67-year-old man, became the first inmate in the United States to be executed by a firing squad since 2010. This somber event took place at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, SC, and marks a chilling milestone in the history of capital punishment in the country.

A Long Road to Execution

Sigmon had spent a staggering 23 years on death row for the brutal 2001 murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, Gladys and David Larke. The gruesome method he employed—a baseball bat—reflects the violent nature of his crimes, which came about after his attempts to rekindle a relationship with his former girlfriend were rejected. Conviction led to a life behind bars for decades, but it all culminated in that fateful evening when the state of South Carolina decided to carry out his sentence.

The Method of Execution

During the execution, Sigmon was strapped into a chair, a target placed over his heart, and a hood placed over his head. Three volunteer members of the corrections department, armed with .308-caliber rifles designed to shatter upon impact, fired simultaneously—a method that some argue is more humane than lethal injection or electrocution. This execution was only the fourth of its kind since the death penalty resumed in the U.S. some 49 years ago.

Final Moments

In his final moments, Brad Sigmon’s last statement, as relayed by his legal team, appealed for an end to the death penalty, expressing a desire for a shift toward forgiveness rather than vengeance. Sigmon had chosen the firing squad as his execution method because he had concerns regarding the potential pain associated with lethal injection. Unfortunately, his last-minute appeal to delay the execution was swiftly denied by the U.S. Supreme Court, leaving him with no alternatives.

Controversy and Human Rights Issues

Sigmon’s attorneys argued for clemency, citing his mental health issues during the time of the crimes. They described him as a model prisoner, raising questions about whether the death penalty is a just punishment, especially for individuals who may suffer from severe mental illness. With South Carolina being one of only five states that still allow execution by firing squad, the contentious debate continues surrounding the ethics of capital punishment.

Witnesses to History

Witnesses to the execution included family members of the victims, media personnel, and representatives from the prosecutor’s office and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. The chamber was secured with bullet-resistant glass to ensure the safety of those present, a testament to the emotional and violent backdrop that accompanies such a process.

Last Supper

Before his execution, Sigmon was granted a last meal that included a feast of heartiness—four pieces of fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy, biscuits, cheesecake, and sweet tea. He initially made an intriguing request to share three buckets of KFC with his fellow inmates, indicating his complex personality even in his final hours.

Reflections on Justice

The emotional weight of Sigmon’s execution resonates with many. Supporters of the firing squad argue that it could be more humane than other forms of execution, but critics vehemently disagree. The violent nature of such an execution reignites discussions about the morality of capital punishment itself, putting a spotlight on the ongoing debate about justice and forgiveness in the United States.

As Columbia witnesses this historic and unsettling moment in its own backyard, one thing is clear: the conversation around the death penalty is far from over.