Idaho has become the only US state to adopt a firing squad as its default method of execution, with officials now seeking volunteer police officers to carry out the procedures. Eight death row inmates are currently awaiting their fate under the new legislation.
New Legislation Signed by Governor
Republican Governor Brad Little, who is seeking a third term this November, signed two firing squad-related bills into law. The introduction of the new legislation was pushed back to 2025 to give state officials sufficient time to reconstruct the execution chamber.
The move comes roughly a year after officials botched the lethal injection of convicted murderer Thomas Eugene Creech, when medical team members repeatedly failed to find a vein to establish an intravenous line.
Execution Procedure Details
Officials have unveiled a detailed blueprint for how the capital punishment procedures will be carried out. Prisons are instructed to recruit volunteer police officers rather than specialist executioners. The plan also makes provision for a second round of gunfire should an inmate survive the initial volley.
Three primary volunteer officers will be tasked with delivering fatal shots, supported by two alternates on standby. A sixth volunteer will serve as team leader, responsible for loading the rifles and overseeing the execution.
Volunteer Officer Requirements
In accordance with state law, all volunteers will remain anonymous, with only the prison director and deputy director privy to their identities. To qualify as a volunteer officer, recruits must be certified Idaho law enforcement officers holding a Peace Officer Standards and Training certification.
Any disciplinary findings involving excessive force or the deployment of firearms will serve as grounds for disqualification. Volunteer officers cannot be related by blood or marriage to the inmate, victim, or either family involved. Prospective recruits will also undergo marksmanship assessments during firearm qualification tests, where they must consistently strike a heart-sized target without missing.
Execution Chamber Location and Costs
The state executions will take place in the refurbished Maximum Security Institution south of Boise, where taxpayers have funded $1.2 million to upgrade the state's execution chamber. Construction costs are estimated to exceed $900,000, while architectural design and engineering services reportedly account for another $314,000.
Weapons and Sedation
Spending a further $24,000, Idaho officials also purchased five Daniel Defense DD5-P rifles that fire .308 Winchester rounds, along with scopes, suppressors and bipods. The rifle model is 'engineered for reliability in demanding conditions,' according to the manufacturer's website, and is constructed with components specifically designed to minimise recoil.
The inmate scheduled for execution will also be administered a light sedative on the day of the execution and potentially a few hours beforehand as well.
