Federal government considers reinstating firing squad as federal execution method

April 25, 2026 • Google News World

The US Department of Justice has recommended the reinstatement of firing squads as a federal execution method. This decision comes after the Trump administration announced plans to prioritize seeking the death penalty and utilize firing squads, electrocution, and gassing in federal executions.

According to reports, the DOJ is considering various methods for carrying out capital punishment, including firing squads, which involve a team of shooters who fire rifles at the condemned person until they are killed. The department has also explored other options, such as electrocution and gassing.

The decision to reinstate firing squads is part of an effort by the Trump administration to prioritize seeking the death penalty in federal cases. This move is seen as a shift away from more modern methods of execution, which have been criticized for their potential cruelty and inhumanity.

The DOJ’s recommendation has sparked controversy among lawmakers and advocacy groups, who are weighing in on the implications of this decision. The use of firing squads in federal executions would be subject to strict guidelines and oversight, but critics argue that it could still pose significant human rights concerns.

As the Trump administration moves forward with its plans, lawmakers are expected to debate the merits of reinstating firing squads as a federal execution method.

Source: Google News World