- Justice Department recommends using firing squads for executions USA Today —
- Pope Leo risks Trump’s wrath once more with comments condemning death penalty Metro —
- Rap music on trial: Upcoming Texas execution stirs national debate USA Today —
- Pope Leo affirms support for banning death penalty, marks 15 years since Illinois ban Chicago Sun-Times —
- Trump administration now permits death by firing squad for federal cases CBS News —
- U.S. adding firing squads, electrocution and gassing to federal execution methods The Japan Times —
- Justice Department to allow firing squads for executions in move to ramp up capital punishment 6abc Philadelphia —
- Pope Leo Fires New Shots in Battle With Trump Daily Beast —
- US to allow firing squads, gas, and electrocution for federal executions BBC News —
- Trump administration approves firing squad executions for death penalty Boston Globe —
- The Justice Department will end its Powell probe, federal firing-squad executions are back, and startup cowboys mosey on over to Texas. Read more in today’s What’s News newsletter: Wall Street Journal —
- Firing squads are back: Trump’s DOJ revives rarely used execution method once limited to five states Fortune —
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.
United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
Federal institution
Federal institution
Donald Trump
President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)
President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)
Leo XIV
267th Pope of the Catholic Church (2025–)
267th Pope of the Catholic Church (2025–)
United States
Country located primarily in North America
Country located primarily in North America