U.S. Department of Justice Authorizes Firing Squad and Other Execution Methods
Here's what it means for you.
This policy shift could influence discussions around criminal justice reform and corporate ethics in the U.S. and beyond.
What happened
On April 24, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the authorization of firing squad, electrocution, and gas asphyxiation as federal execution methods.
The Context
- Policy reversal: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche reinstated capital punishment methods, reversing Biden-era moratoriums to address lethal injection drug shortages.
- Victim justice focus: The DOJ aims to prioritize justice for victims of severe crimes, including terrorism and child murder, amid growing state-level adoption of alternative execution methods.
- Historical backdrop: The federal death penalty saw a pause for 17 years until Donald Trump's first term, which executed 13 individuals—the highest number in 120 years.
The Number
federal executions by lethal injection in the final six months of Donald Trump's first term, highlighting a significant shift in capital punishment practices.
Takeaway
Expect ongoing debates about the implications of these execution methods on U.S. criminal justice and potential international reactions.
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