A proposed bill in the Idaho Legislature has garnered attention in the wake of a high-profile murder case. Representative Bruce Skaug has introduced a bill that would bring back the firing squad as a means of carrying out the death penalty in the state, a method that was previously banned in 2009.

The case in question involves Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of stabbing and murdering four University of Idaho students on November 13, 2023. It is currently unknown whether the prosecution in Kohberger’s case is seeking the death penalty, but if they do, Skaug’s proposed bill could impact the method of execution.

Under Skaug’s bill, if the state cannot obtain the necessary lethal injection chemicals within five days of issuing a death warrant, a firing squad would be used instead. Skaug believes that firing squads are more humane than chemicals, as there is less room for error. Utah has already approved the use of firing squads for the same reasons.

The use of lethal injection as a method of execution has become increasingly difficult in recent years, as pharmaceutical companies have refused to supply the necessary drugs. This has led to delays and cancellations of executions, as was the case in November when an execution had to be cancelled due to the unavailability of the chemicals.

Kohberger’s former friend, Thomas Arntz, has described him as a bully who was always trying to prove his dominance over others. “It almost seemed to me he had a desire to be the alpha. He always wanted to be dominant physically and intellectually. He had to show that he was smarter and bigger than you, and try to put me down and make me feel insecure about myself,” Arntz recalled.

It is important to note that Kohberger has not yet entered a plea in the murder case, and it is unclear whether the death penalty will be sought. However, Skaug’s proposed bill has raised questions about the use of the firing squad as an alternative method of execution.

The debate over the death penalty and its methods of execution is a contentious issue in many states, and Idaho is no exception. Skaug’s bill is likely to spark debate and discussion in the state legislature and among the public, as the state grapples with the question of how best to carry out justice in cases such as Kohberger’s.

As the case unfolds and the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the use of the firing squad as a means of execution will be reintroduced in Idaho. For now, all eyes are on the legislature and the legal proceedings surrounding Kohberger’s case.