Stephen Bryant, a 44-year-old South Carolina man, was executed by a firing squad last Friday. This marks the third execution of its kind in the state this year. Bryant was found guilty of murdering three people within a five-day period in a rural area of South Carolina in 2004. Given the choice between lethal injection, the electric chair, or a firing squad, Bryant chose the latter.
Bryant, who chose not to make a final statement, briefly glanced at the ten witnesses present before a hood was placed over his head. Roughly 55 seconds later, the shots were fired. The red bullseye target on his chest, marking his heart, was thrust forward by the impact. A doctor confirmed his death after a brief examination with a stethoscope.
After the execution, a media witness reported a damp spot on Bryant’s chest where he was shot. Three family members of the victims, who were present as witnesses, held hands throughout the execution.
Bryant’s execution is the seventh in South Carolina in the past 14 months, following a 13-year pause due to difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs. Republican Governor Henry McMaster denied Bryant’s request for clemency, upholding the state’s record of not granting clemency since the reinstatement of the death penalty in the US in 1976.
For his last meal, Bryant selected a spicy seafood stir-fry, fried fish over rice, egg rolls, stuffed shrimp, two candy bars, and a German chocolate cake. Bo King, a lawyer who specializes in death penalty cases in South Carolina, disclosed that Bryant suffered from a genetic disorder, was a victim of sexual and physical abuse by family members, and was permanently affected by his mother’s excessive drinking.
King commended Bryant for his grace, courage, and forgiveness towards his family, as well as his love for those inside and outside prison. He also criticized the state’s use of execution, calling it “brutal and shameful” and arguing that it has not made South Carolina safer or more just.
The use of firing squads for execution has a controversial history worldwide. However, some US lawmakers argue it is the quickest and most humane method of execution, especially given recent botched executions using other methods. South Carolina is among several states where the electric chair is still legal.
Bryant’s execution is the 43rd court-ordered execution in the US this year. At least 14 more are scheduled for the remainder of 2025 and the following year. Bryant is also the 50th person to be executed in South Carolina since the state reinstated the death penalty 40 years ago.