South Carolina just instituted the firing squad option last year, giving condemned inmates the choice between that and electrocution.
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- It's unknown how long a stay will hold off the execution of Richard Bernard Moore - South Carolina's first-ever inmate to be put to death by a firing squad - as his attorneys pursue legal challenges.
In choosing the firing squad, the 57-year-old Moore said he didn't concede that either method was legal or constitutional but that he more strongly opposed death by electrocution and only opted for the firing squad because he was required to make a choice. Only three executions in the United States have been carried out by firing squad since 1976, according to the Washington-based nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center. Moore's would mark the first since Ronnie Lee Gardner 's 2010 execution by a five-person firing squad in Utah.
The measure, which Republican Gov. Henry McMaster signed into law last May, made South Carolina the fourth state in the country to allow use of a firing squad, according to the Washington-based nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center.
The electric chair, which officials say cannot be removed from the chamber, will be covered in its spot between the glass wall and the firing squad chair.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
EXPLAINER: How South Carolina execution firing squad worksIt’s unknown how long a stay will hold off the execution of Richard Bernard Moore — South Carolina's first-ever inmate to be put to death by a firing squad — as his attorneys pursue legal challenges. In choosing the firing squad, the 57-year-old Moore said he didn’t concede that either method was legal or constitutional but that he more strongly opposed death by electrocution and only opted for the firing squad because he was required to make a choice.
Read more »
EXPLAINER: How South Carolina execution firing squad worksIt’s unknown how long a stay will hold off the execution of South Carolina’s first-ever inmate to be put to death by a firing squad as his attorneys pursue legal challenges.
Read more »
How South Carolina execution firing squad works: EXPLAINERSouth Carolina just instituted the firing squad option last year, giving condemned inmates the choice between that and electrocution.
Read more »
How South Carolina execution firing squad works: EXPLAINERSouth Carolina just instituted the firing squad option last year, giving condemned inmates the choice between that and electrocution.
Read more »
Court halts South Carolina plan for firing squad executionSouth Carolina’s highest court on Wednesday issued a temporary stay blocking the state from carrying out what was set to be its first-ever firing squad execution.
Read more »
Third suspect arrested in South Carolina mall shootingPolice have arrested a third suspect accused of participating in an Easter weekend shootout at a South Carolina mall that wounded nine people.
Read more »