firing squad

     

Execution by firing squa is a method of capital punishment, particularly common in times of war. The firing squad is generally composed of several soldiers or peace officers. The method of execution requires all members of the group to fire simultaneously, thus preventing both disruption of the process by a single member and identification of the member who fired the lethal shot. The condemned is typically blindfolded or hooded, as well as restrained - though in some cases condemned prisoners had asked to be allowed to face the firing squad with their eyes open. Executions can be carried out with the condemned either standing or sitting.

Trivia about firing squad

  • Mata Hari
  • Normally, as part of one of these, only 4 of the 5 executioners have a live round
  • Pierre, a prisoner set to be executed facing one of these, watches 5 die before he is reprieved
  • Emperor Maximilian,1867
  • Pvt. Eddie Slovik, 1945

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