Idaho Opens New Firing Squad Execution Chamber

Idaho opened a new execution chamber at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution where firing squad executions will begin this month. The chamber cost $1.2 million to build and is located about 15 miles south of Boise. State officials will recruit six volunteer law enforcement officers to carry out the executions.

Three primary officers will fire semi-automatic rifles from behind a protective wall roughly 10 yards from the prisoner, while two alternates stand ready for a second volley if needed. A squad leader will load the rifles and direct the process. The inmates will receive a sedative the day before and again hours before the execution.

They will be strapped into a chair with heart-monitoring equipment attached and a target placed over the heart. After a death warrant is read, they may make a final statement and request an eye covering.

Officers must hold at least three years of Peace Officer Standards and Training certification and demonstrate near-perfect aim on a heart-sized target. Officers with any history of excessive force, firearm misconduct, or personal ties to the inmate or victim are disqualified.

Approved volunteers must complete regular live-fire training and multiple dry-runs before any execution. 308-caliber ammunition. Officers' identities remain confidential under state law.

Background The policy change took effect July 1 after a prior lethal injection attempt was abandoned. Eight inmates currently on death row will be subject to the new method. One inmate has served on death row longer than any other in the state. The Idaho Department of Corrections director stated the department will carry out executions with professionalism and adherence to the law.