US Justice Department is bringing back firing squads for federal executions

The US Justice Department is moving to accelerate federal death penalty cases, introducing significant changes that include expanding execution methods to allow death by firing squad. The shift signals a broader effort to revive and reinforce policies aimed at speeding up capital punishment proceedings after a period of rollback under the previous administration.

At the core of the changes is a renewed emphasis on enforcement. Officials say the updated framework is designed to reduce delays in the legal process and ensure that sentences — particularly in the most serious criminal cases — are carried out more efficiently.

The move reflects a clear policy direction: fewer procedural barriers and a wider range of execution options.

Expanded methods and faster timelines

The Justice Department confirmed it is reintroducing execution protocols previously used during Donald Trump’s earlier presidency, with additional measures layered on top. Among them is the inclusion of alternative methods such as firing squads — an option that, while rare, is already permitted in a small number of US states.

The decision comes as some states have faced challenges in obtaining drugs for lethal injections, prompting renewed debate over execution methods. By expanding the available options, federal authorities aim to avoid delays linked to logistical or legal complications.

At the same time, internal processes for pursuing death penalty cases are being streamlined. The goal is to shorten the gap between sentencing and execution — a period that often stretches over many years due to appeals and procedural reviews.

A policy shift with legal and ethical implications

The changes mark a clear departure from the previous administration’s approach, which had scaled back the use of capital punishment at the federal level. The current direction instead prioritizes enforcement, particularly for cases involving severe crimes such as terrorism or multiple homicides.

However, actual executions could still face significant legal challenges, appeals, and logistical setup (e.g., facilities, protocols for a federal firing squad). No immediate executions are imminent.

Supporters argue that the measures restore consistency and uphold justice for victims, while critics are likely to raise concerns about due process, the risk of wrongful convictions, and the ethics of expanding execution methods.

The reintroduction of firing squads, in particular, is expected to draw attention. Although legally permitted in some jurisdictions, it remains one of the least commonly used methods in modern US history.

Source: dailystar.com, Staff, April 25, 2026

"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted."
— Oscar Wilde

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