South Carolina man becomes first death row inmate executed by firing squad in 15 years

South Carolina on Friday night successfully executed death row inmate Brad Sigmon by firing squad, making him the first man executed by that method in nearly 15 years. 

The execution comes after the Supreme Court denied his emergency appeal earlier in the day. Sigmon was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend's parents in 2002. He is the first inmate to be executed by firing squad in South Carolina history.

The execution was carried out by a three-member squad at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, South Carolina, according to CNN. The rifles were not viewable by the public, and all three guns had live rounds in them.

Sigmon was declared dead at 6:08 p.m. Eastern, according to the Associated Press. He was clad in a black jumpsuit with a hood over his head, and a white target with a bullseye over his chest. 

A doctor came out a minute after the shots were fired to examine Sigmon, and declared him dead 90 seconds later.

Sigmon received his last meal on Wednesday night, his attorney said. He was given an individual meal from Kentucky Fried Chicken that included mashed potatoes and green beans.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.