A bill that aims to replace lethal injections as a method of execution in Arizona with the firing squad is advancing at the state capitol, but not everyone agrees with the proposal. FOX 10’s Lauren Clark reports.
PHOENIX – Firing squads could be a new method for future executions, as a Republican proposal advances at the Arizona State Legislature.
What we know:
The proposal, known at the State Legislature as HCR2024, aims to ask Arizona voters in the next general election to vote on a state constitutional amendment that would allow firing squads as the way to execute prisoners, replacing lethal injections.
The measure specifically states that inmates who committed crimes before Nov. 23, 1992, can choose to die by firing squad or the gas chamber. The measure would only affect state executions in Arizona, as the measure aims to only amend the Arizona State Constitution.
The resolution was passed by the State House Regulatory Oversight Committee on Feb. 18.
The proposal, according to GOP State Rep. Alex Kolodin, solves various problems.
“The firing squad is the more humane way to go,” said State Rep. Kolodin, who represents the state’s 3rd Legislative District.  You don’t have all these chemicals, these embargoes, things that hold up executions or make it excruciatingly painful.”
Not everyone is in support of the proposal, however.
The other side:
During a house committee meeting, several people spoke out against the plan.
“Instead of switching to a different method of execution that brings its own challenges, the legislature should seek real steps towards transparency and accountability,” said Nicholas Cote.
“No matter the method, the death penalty is cruel and inhumane. It robs people of the opportunity of redemption,” said Jeanne Woodbury with the ACLU.
Big picture view:
Since Democratic governor Katie Hobbs took office in 2023, there has been a pause in executions.
When she took office, Gov. Hobbs hired retired federal judge David Duncan to review lethal injection protocols. She later fired him after she claimed she lost confidence.
Duncan’s draft report detailed what he found to be numerous issues with the procedure in the state.
“The autopsies tell the story of lungs that have shown extreme damage, and it’s not instantaneous, it’s happening over time,” said Duncan. “If it’s happening over time, it’s like being waterboarded to death or drowning.”
He said if Arizona wishes to have a death penalty, it should do so in a manner that is efficient and humane.
“There is no doubt that death by firing squad is the most humane method that has been explored, and it is also the one that has the lowest botch rate out of all of the other methods,” said Duncan. “It’s botch rate is zero.”
What’s next:
The bill will now move to the State House for a vote.
As for executions, Aaron Gunches is set to be executed via lethal injection on March 19.
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Publish date : 2025-02-21 12:23:00
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