I'm not arguing against firing squad either, except likely the shot could be placed other than on the heart.
Why don’t we slowly pull them apart with giant forceps? Seems OK for the innocent unborn, so why not for the adjudged guilty murderer? I’m sure we could get “Dr.” Kermit Gosnell outta stir to be high executioner. He has lots of experience in such procedures.
Even when shot in the heart, the person is still conscious for several seconds until there is blood loss to the brain rendering them unconscious. Head shot is quicker.
The activists are pressuring companies who make and sell the most humane euthanasia drugs to NOT sell to states for capital punishment. They are being forced by the anti’s to use cocktails of less effective drugs in order to try to achieve the same humane result. The anti’s are causing the problems they are complaining about.
My cat was put down with a sedative, followed by a lethal dose of fentanyl. So quick and painless his eyes were still open.
~~~~~
Based on experience in putting large, terminally injured animals out of their misery, a 9mm Glaser (pre-fragmented) slug administered via the foramen magnum is instantaneous, and, apparently more humane than any other method.
(The foramen magnum is the opening in the skull where the vertebral column attaches.)
The pre-fragmented 9mm slug (actually a thin copper capsule filled with #12 shot, and capped with an epoxy plug) destroys the medulla oblongata -- immediately disconnecting the autonomic nervous system (instantly stopping heartbeat, respiration and bodily sensation). And the slug, disintegrating inside the braincase, apparently disrupts all conscious brain activity instantly.
Usually, the only physical reaction is a slight jolt of the head due to bullet impact. And, as a bonus, the face and eyes are seldom visibly disfigured.
Probably, a .32 or even .25 Glaser might be as effective. However, on that, I have no experiential observation to offer.