Idaho Activates Firing Squad as Only State's Primary Execution Method

As of July 1, 2026, Idaho formally becomes the sole U.S. state with firing squad as its default execution method, following Governor Brad Little's March 2025 signing of House Bill 37. Five other states permit firing squad as an option; none have elevated it to primary status. The retroactively timed effective date allowed the Idaho Department of Correction to retrofit its execution chamber. Lethal injection remains available as a fallback if firing squad execution proves impracticable.