Idaho Becomes First State to Adopt Firing Squad as Primary Execution Method

Idaho Governor Brad Little has signed House Bill 37, making Idaho the first state to designate the firing squad as its primary method of execution, effective July 1, 2026. The law, which received strong bipartisan support in the Idaho Legislature, aims to address difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs and the complications of execution procedures. Proponents argue that firing squads offer a more humane and efficient execution method, while critics express concerns over its reliability and the potential for botched executions. Currently, Idaho has nine inmates on death row, with no executions carried out since 2012. The bill also maintains lethal injection as an alternative method if the firing squad is not feasible. This change positions Idaho alongside four other states that allow firing squads but distinguishes it as the only state to make it the primary execution method.