Trump administration brings back firing squad for federal executions

The Justice Department announced Friday it would allow the use of firing squads for those who have been sentenced to death and exhausted all appeals. The department would also be streamlining the process to expedite death penalty cases. 

The move comes as part of an effort, the department said in the announcement, to "deter the most barbaric crimes" and deliver justice for the victims and their survivors. 

“The prior administration failed in its duty to protect the American people by refusing to pursue and carry out the ultimate punishment against the most dangerous criminals, including terrorists, child murderers and cop killers,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement.  

The change follows an executive order President Donald Trump signed in January 2025, directing the department to prioritize seeking death sentences in appropriate cases and promptly carry out those sentences.