Politics US & Canada World

DOJ readopts firing squads

DOJ readopts firing squads

The U.S. Department of Justice has officially recommended the use of firing squads, electrocution, and lethal gas for federal executions.

This significant policy shift is intended to expedite capital punishment cases amid ongoing difficulties in procuring lethal injection drugs.

President Trump directed the DOJ to resume seeking executions shortly after taking office, marking a stark departure from the previous administration's moratorium.

The move has drawn sharp condemnation from human rights groups and religious leaders, including Pope Leo XIV, who recently reaffirmed the Catholic Church's opposition to the death penalty.

Donald Trump
President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)
Leo XIV
267th Pope of the Catholic Church (2025–)
United States
Country located primarily in North America