Major Death Penalty Shift: Idaho Adopts Firing Squads While US Army Reviews Executions

Idaho has introduced a major change to its death penalty procedures, officially making execution by firing squad the state's primary method of capital punishment. At the same time, reports indicate that the U.S. military has started preparing for possible executions of military personnel in a development not seen for more than half a century. Idaho Makes Firing Squads the Primary Execution Method Beginning on July 1, Idaho officially adopted execution by firing squad as the state's main method of carrying out death sentences. Governor Brad Little signed the legislation in March 2025, putting the new rules into effect starting in July 2026.