BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Corrections has started renovating its execution chamber to accommodate a firing squad, a spokesperson confirmed with KTVB.
The agency said in an email to comply with the Idaho Code, which requires if an execution by lethal injection is unavailable, it must have the ability to carry out an execution by firing squad. Authorities say it is retrofitting the "F Block" of the execution chamber.
KTVB obtained building permits to confirm the F Block renovations.
"Phase one of the F Block retrofit included making modifications to the existing configurations and it is nearing completion," authorities said in an email. "We are currently in phase two of the retrofit, evaluating design and layout options for accommodating a firing squad."
The renovation comes after the failed execution of Thomas Creech on February 28, 2024, when the Idaho Department of Correction medical staff team was unable to establish a vein to insert the IV line for the lethal injection.
During the time of the failed execution, Idaho didn't have any place to carry out an execution by firing squad, and Creech's death warrant expired.
Following the failed execution, lawyers representing Creech filed a post-conviction relief claim in Ada County Court, arguing a second attempt to execute him would be cruel and unusual punishment, violating the Eighth Amendment and the Fifth Amendment's double jeopardy clause.
On Sept. 5, a judge dismissed Thomas Creech's post-conviction arguments, saying the attorney's arguments were only speaking to the method of execution and not his death sentence. So, it isn't an issue the judge can take up during post-conviction proceedings.
There is still the possibility of another death warrant to be issued against Creech.
Idaho is one of five states in the country to allow execution by firing squad as an option for the death penalty.
