South Carolina Resumes Firing Squad Executions Amid Lethal Injection Shortage

On November 15, 2025, South Carolina carried out its third execution by firing squad this year, as the state continues to grapple with a shortage of lethal injection drugs. The latest inmate to be executed was Stephen Bryant, 44, who was convicted of killing three people in a rural area of the state in 2004.

Bryant chose to die by firing squad instead of lethal injection or the electric chair. The execution took place at 6:05 pm, with three prison employees volunteering to carry out the sentence using live ammunition. Bryant made no final statement and briefly glanced at the 10 witnesses before a hood was placed over his head. The shots rang out about 55 seconds later, and Bryant was pronounced dead shortly after.

South Carolina had a 13-year pause in executions until 2024, when the state resumed capital punishment. Since then, four men have been executed by lethal injection and three, including Bryant, by firing squad. The state is among several where the electric chair is still legal.

Lawyers for Bryant argued that he had a genetic disorder and was a victim of abuse, leaving him "unable to endure the tormenting memories of his childhood." However, Republican Governor Henry McMaster denied Bryant's request for clemency.

The use of firing squads has a long and violent history around the world, but some lawmakers argue it is the quickest and most humane way to execute a person. South Carolina's decision to resume this method has been met with criticism, with one lawyer calling the state's executions "brutal and shameful."