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Firing-squad executions get the greenlight in South Carolina
The Associated Press ^ | March 18, 2022 | By MEG KINNARD

Posted on 03/18/2022 3:28:57 PM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — ​​South Carolina has given the greenlight to firing-squad executions, a method codified into state law l ast year after a decade-long pause in carrying out death sentences because of the state’s inability to procure lethal injection drugs.

The state Corrections Department said Friday that renovations have been completed on the death chamber in Columbia and that the agency had notified Attorney General Alan Wilson that it was able to carry out a firing-squad execution.

Lawmakers set about tweaking state law to get around the lethal injection drug situation. Legislation that went into effect in May made the electric chair the state’s primary means of execution while giving inmates the option of choosing death by firing squad or lethal injection, if those methods are available.

During South Carolina’s lengthy debate, Democratic state Sen. Dick Harpootlian — a prosecutor-turned-criminal-defense lawyer — introduced the firing squad option. He argued that it presented “the least painful” execution method available.

State officials also have created protocols for carrying out the executions. The three shooters, all volunteers who are employees of the Corrections Department, will have rifles loaded with live ammunition, with their weapons trained on the inmate’s heart.

A hood will be placed over the head of the inmate, who will be given the opportunity to make a last statement.

According to officials, Corrections spent $53,600 on the renovations.

(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Crime/Corruption; News/Current Events; US: South Carolina
KEYWORDS: capitalpunishment; executions; firingsquad
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1 posted on 03/18/2022 3:28:57 PM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

Why does it take an entire squad?!


2 posted on 03/18/2022 3:31:09 PM PDT by definitelynotaliberal (I believe it! He's alive! Sweet Jesus!)
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

I wonder if they will use a “conscience round”. Though with only 3 shooters, probably not.


3 posted on 03/18/2022 3:36:07 PM PDT by throwthebumsout
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

Where’s Linda?


4 posted on 03/18/2022 3:36:45 PM PDT by nesnah (Infringe - act so as to limit or undermine [something]; encroach on)
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To: definitelynotaliberal

To hide who actually kills the prisoner.


5 posted on 03/18/2022 3:38:06 PM PDT by madison10
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To: throwthebumsout

Why not a robot? Why a squad of men?


6 posted on 03/18/2022 3:42:45 PM PDT by Fai Mao (I don't think we have enough telephone poles.)
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To: nesnah

Really. Tell him they’re microphones and test the system. ;P


7 posted on 03/18/2022 3:45:09 PM PDT by Empire_of_Liberty
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
South Carolina is certainly a creative state.

They already have combination liquor store, fireworks and pornography emporiums.

Shooting ranges where you get to plink the condemned would fit right in.

8 posted on 03/18/2022 3:47:51 PM PDT by billorites (freepo ergo sum)
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

“He argued that it presented “the least painful” execution method available.”

I suppose that’s the case as long as the executioner shoots straight.


9 posted on 03/18/2022 3:54:17 PM PDT by ScottfromNJ
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

Why don’t they just use Fentanyl?
Cheap, readily available, and quick.


10 posted on 03/18/2022 4:00:01 PM PDT by rellic
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To: Oldeconomybuyer
Three doesn't seem like enough to ensure a quick execution.

Hopefully they're using .308 or bigger.
11 posted on 03/18/2022 4:02:19 PM PDT by farming pharmer (fork you :(){ :|:& };:)
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To: definitelynotaliberal

So that no one can single out the executioner.


12 posted on 03/18/2022 4:02:26 PM PDT by entropy12 (Blockade of Cuba by USA was OK, but NATO weapons seeking Ukraine invasion not acceptable to Neocons!)
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To: rellic

Michael Jackson was abusing fentanyl for several years before it killed him. What if the convict on death row fails to die and gets addicted to fentanyl? Are you willing to pay for his treatment?


13 posted on 03/18/2022 4:04:17 PM PDT by entropy12 (Blockade of Cuba by USA was OK, but NATO weapons seeking Ukraine invasion not acceptable to Neocons!)
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

So, who’s the first customer and when?

What caliber will they use?


14 posted on 03/18/2022 4:09:20 PM PDT by SaxxonWoods (The only way to secure your own future is to create it yourself.)
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To: entropy12

you willing to pay for his treatment?

Sure...if the treatment is more fetanyl...


15 posted on 03/18/2022 4:09:54 PM PDT by Adder (Proud member of the FJBLGB community: /s is implied where applicable.)
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To: definitelynotaliberal
“Why does it take an entire squad?!”

They couldn't afford a battalion?

16 posted on 03/18/2022 4:10:36 PM PDT by SaxxonWoods (The only way to secure your own future is to create it yourself.)
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To: Adder

The victims family members should be allowed in the firing squad.


17 posted on 03/18/2022 4:12:29 PM PDT by DIRTYSECRET
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To: entropy12
"So that no one can single out the executioner."

***********************************************************************

And one of the guns shoots a blank. No one knows which one. I can't wait for the day they give Hillary her blindfold and last cigarette.

18 posted on 03/18/2022 4:13:21 PM PDT by Neanderthal (Let's go, Brandon!)
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

“...the state’s inability to procure lethal injection drugs.”

So now, you get lead poisoning. Brilliant!


19 posted on 03/18/2022 4:16:02 PM PDT by twoputt
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To: Neanderthal

I can’t wait for the day they give Hillary her blindfold and last cigarette.


I’m pretty sure she’s not a “smoker”.


20 posted on 03/18/2022 4:17:39 PM PDT by nesnah (Infringe - act so as to limit or undermine [something]; encroach on)
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