Death by Firing Squad- Survival time? Uncertain
History and Application
- Only three States, Idaho, Oklahoma and Utah currently authorize shooting as a method of execution, or as an alternative to lethal injection, at the discretion of the inmate
- Most recently Ronnie Lee Gardener was executed in the State of Utah, in 2010. He willingly chose to die by firing squad.
- At the appropriate time the inmate is lead to the execution area, where a traditional firing squad, between three to six peace officers will prepare for execution.
Procedure
- Three to six shooters will stand or kneel opposite the inmate awaiting death.
- The inmate is usually restrained around the arms, legs, head and chest.
- A hood will be placed over their head.
- These restraints will be attached to either a chair or a stake.
- the shooters will aim at the chest, since it is easier to hit than the head, causing rupture of the heart, great vessels and lungs. The person will die from hemorrhage or shock.
- It is not unusual for the officer in charge, to deliver a final shot to the head to ensure death after the initial volley of bullets may fail to kill a person immediately.
- The firing squad, will all fire simultaneously one member will have a blank charge. This is to ensure that no person may know who delivered the fatal shot.