South Carolina executed Brad Sigmon by firing squad on Friday, marking the state's first such execution in 15 years and the first in the U.S. since 2010, following his conviction for a brutal double murder.

Sigmon's execution not only reignited debates over the death penalty but also highlighted the state's shift back to firing squad executions, as he opted for this method over lethal injection due to concerns about a painful death. This event signals a significant moment in America's ongoing discussion about capital punishment, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's rejection of his final appeal, which questioned lethal injection protocols.

Brad Sigmon, aged 67, was sentenced to death for the grisly murders of his ex-girlfriend's parents, William and Gladys Larke, in 2001. Utilizing a baseball bat, Sigmon committed the crimes that ultimately led to his conviction and death sentence.

The execution took place in a specialized chamber located in Columbia, South Carolina, where he was restrained to a chair. A black hood was placed over his head, and a target was affixed to his chest to guide the firing squad's shots.

Witnesses reported that at the moment of execution, three guards stood approximately 15 feet away and simultaneously fired their rifles at Sigmon. The gunfire came without warning, and those present described the execution as intense and shocking. Witness Jeffrey Collins shared his recollections of the dramatic moment stating, "You could feel the tension in the air before the shots were fired."

Following the execution, it was noted that Sigmon appeared to take two breaths before he was declared dead at 6:08 PM, prompting visceral reactions from those who witnessed the event. Many observers expressed their emotional responses, indicating the weight and seriousness of the act.

In the lead-up to his execution, Sigmon's lawyer read a final statement on his behalf. In this statement, he urged Christians to advocate for the abolition of the death penalty, reflecting a personal change of heart amidst the final moments of his life.

The backdrop for Sigmon's execution includes a rising concern about the methods used in capital punishment in the United States. The U.S. Supreme Court had recently rejected Sigmon's final appeal, which contested the state’s lack of transparency surrounding its lethal injection procedures. This decision has drawn attention to the broader issues surrounding execution protocols and state responsibilities.

Firing squads have been a contentious topic in the discussion of capital punishment. Sigmon's choice to face a firing squad was primarily based on fears associated with lethal injection or electrocution, which he believed could lead to a slower and more agonizing death. His decision represents a significant shift away from common execution methods as states navigate issues related to drug shortages and ethical implications of capital punishment.

This execution marks a pivotal moment not only for South Carolina but also for the national narrative surrounding the death penalty. The rarity of firing squad executions underscores the complexity of lethal methods in the modern era, as jurisdictions grapple with the legality and morality of capital punishment.

In the aftermath of Sigmon's execution, reactions from advocacy groups reflect the ongoing debate regarding the efficacy and humanity of the death penalty in the United States. Many argue for its abolition, citing moral, ethical, and human rights concerns, while others continue to support its use for heinous crimes such as those committed by Sigmon.