Firsthand account of what a firing squad execution looked like

An Associated Press journalist has served as a media eyewitness to the execution of Brad Sigmon by firing squad Friday in South Carolina. He reports that the firing squad is both faster and more violent than lethal injection. A hood was put over Sigmon’s head, and an employee opened the pull shade shielding where three prison system volunteer shooters were. About two minutes later they fired. There was no warning or countdown, and the abrupt crack of the rifles startled those in the room. A white target with a red bullseye that had been on his chest disappeared instantly as Sigmon’s whole body flinched. Soon a doctor came out to examine Sigmon, and he was declared dead at 6:08 p.m.