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Firing Squad Execution in South Carolina Sparks Controversy

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Debate on Capital Punishment

News Summary

South Carolina executed Mikal Mahdi by firing squad, marking the state’s resurgence in executions after a 13-year hiatus. Mahdi was sentenced for the murder of off-duty officer James Myers and opted for firing squad among execution methods. His case ignites debates on capital punishment, mental health, and legal representation, as critics highlight failures in his defense. With significant media attention, this case raises questions about the ethical implications of the death penalty and its future in the U.S.

South Carolina executed Mikal Mahdi by firing squad on April 11, 2025, marking the second death row killing in the state by this method within five weeks. Mahdi, who was 42 years old at the time of his execution, was sentenced to death for the 2004 murder of James Myers, a 56-year-old off-duty public safety officer. The execution was confirmed by South Carolina Republican Governor Henry McMaster, who chose not to grant clemency. Mahdi’s final appeals were denied by both South Carolina’s state courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

This recent execution continues a series of lethal measures taken by the state, which had not carried out executions for 13 years due to difficulties in procuring lethal injection supplies. South Carolina resumed executions in 2022, allowing death row inmates to choose between lethal injection, an electric chair, or a firing squad. In a highly controversial decision, Mahdi selected the firing squad, referring to it as the “lesser of three evils.”

Mahdi’s legal team attempted to argue against the execution by highlighting his traumatic childhood, which included severe abuse and torture. They raised issues regarding Mahdi’s mental health and claimed that he did not receive a fair trial. Critics of his representation indicated that Mahdi’s defense team failed to present adequate evidence during sentencing, which ultimately led to his conviction. Prosecutors painted a picture of Mahdi as inherently violent, referencing past incidents including assaults on prison staff.

Mahdi was previously convicted of killing a convenience store clerk, Christopher Boggs, before committing the murder that landed him on death row. In a violent encounter, Mahdi shot Myers at least eight times and then incinerated his body. Following his release from prison prior to the murder, Mahdi exhibited anti-social behavior, indicating unresolved issues stemming from his turbulent youth.

The execution, which is the 12th in the United States for 2025, also marks the fifth death of an inmate executed by South Carolina in less than eight months. Execution by firing squad has become increasingly rare in the U.S, resulting in significant media attention and calls for the abolition of capital punishment.

Witnesses to the execution reported that Mahdi did not offer a final statement and avoided eye contact with individuals present during the event. Following the execution, witnesses noted that he cried out after the gunshots were fired, groaning several times before being pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Prior to his execution, Mahdi’s last meal consisted of ribeye steak, mushroom risotto, broccoli, collard greens, cheesecake, and sweet tea.

Mahdi’s case has stoked significant debate surrounding the death penalty, particularly from anti-death-penalty advocates and concerned citizens, including former teachers who rallied for clemency on his behalf. The situation reflects broader societal discussions about the ethics of capital punishment, mental health considerations in criminal cases, and the procedural integrity of death penalty trials.

As South Carolina a continues with its execution protocol, the implications of this case resonate across the country, evoking reactions from various human rights organizations and raising further questions about the state’s approach to capital punishment.

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Firing Squad Execution in South Carolina Sparks Controversy

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