Bill Maher Supports Firing Squads for Federal Executions
Bill Maher recently voiced his backing for the Justice Department’s choice to bring back firing squads as a means of federal execution. During an episode of “Real Time with Bill Maher,” he stated, “It’s better that way.” In reaction to a video on X, he compared this method to the chemical processes currently utilized, asserting that firing squads can deliver instant death. “A firing squad—they’re dead in an instant,” he remarked, criticizing lethal injections for being drawn-out and often failing, adding that “half of what is injected is ineffective.”
Panelist Sarah Isgur echoed his sentiments, providing a constitutional argument for firing squads and claiming it aligns with practices from the nation’s early days, thus not violating the Eighth Amendment. She further commented on the need to confront the reality of the death penalty, suggesting, “We should do a firing squad to let people know what we’re doing.” Although Maher made a light-hearted joke initially, he eventually conceded, saying, “If we’re going to do it, we have to do it.”
This conversation arose following the Justice Department’s announcement to include firing squads among approved execution methods. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche criticized the previous administration for not fulfilling its duty to enforce the death penalty for severe crimes, like acts by terrorists and child murderers, in a statement.
As noted by the Associated Press, five states already permit firing squads under specific conditions. However, the federal government has never executed anyone using this method. The increasing reluctance from drug manufacturers to supply chemicals used in lethal injections—partially due to restrictions from the European Union—has led some states to explore alternatives.
Presently, three individuals remain on federal death row after former President Joe Biden commuted 37 sentences to life imprisonment before exiting office. The Justice Department cited that the Trump administration had authorized the executions of 44 defendants during its tenure.
