South Carolina Prepares for First Execution Since 2011

South Carolina's prisons director, Bryan Stirling, confirmed the state is ready to execute Freddie Owens on September 20, marking the first execution in over 13 years. The state has ensured that its lethal injection drug, pentobarbital, is pure, while the electric chair has been tested, and the firing squad is prepared with ammunition and training. Owens' legal team plans to review the state's compliance with execution protocols, and if deemed insufficient, they may seek further judicial review. Owens has until September 6 to choose his method of execution, having granted power of attorney to his lawyer, Emily Paavola. The South Carolina Supreme Court is set to determine the legality of this arrangement. This upcoming execution has reignited discussions about capital punishment in South Carolina, particularly following legislative changes that have reinstated firing squads and the electric chair due to drug shortages.