South Carolina Executes Second Inmate by Firing Squad in Five Weeks, Sparking Debate on Capital Punishment Methods

In recent weeks, the state of South Carolina has carried out executions using the firing squad method, a practice that has seen limited use in the United States. On Friday, a South Carolina man, Mikal Mahdi, was executed by a three-person firing squad after being convicted of killing an off-duty police officer. This marks the second time in five weeks that the state has employed this method of execution, highlighting a shift in the approach to capital punishment.

Mahdi, aged 42, opted for the firing squad over other available methods such as lethal injection or the electric chair. The execution took place at 6:01 p.m., and Mahdi was pronounced dead at 6:05 p.m., shortly after the shots were fired. Witnesses reported that Mahdi cried out as the bullets struck him, and his arms flexed in response. Despite the presence of nine witnesses behind bulletproof glass, Mahdi did not make a final statement or acknowledge those observing the execution.

The use of firing squads in South Carolina comes amid broader discussions and legal challenges surrounding execution methods in the United States. Some states are reconsidering traditional methods like lethal injection due to difficulties in obtaining the necessary drugs and concerns over potential complications during the process. As a result, alternative methods such as firing squads and nitrogen gas are being explored as viable options.

This renewed interest in alternative execution methods reflects ongoing debates about the most humane and effective ways to carry out capital punishment. As states navigate these complex issues, the choice of execution method remains a significant aspect of the broader conversation on the future of the death penalty in the United States.