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Firing Squad: Trump DOJ Expediting Death Penalties

By Dan Gooding Newsweek

Updated April 24, 2026 9:38 AM

US-POLITICS-TRUMP. A a new banner featuring an image of US President Donald Trump is displayed on the facade of the US Department of Justice headquarters, in Washington, DC, February 20, 2026. DREW ANGERER Drew ANGERER / AFP via Getty Images

The Trump administration announced Friday it will expedite federal death penalties, while reintroducing the lethal injection, and the use of the firing squad.

The Department of Justice‘s (DOJ) move comes off the back of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump the day he returned to the White House last year, with a promise to prioritize seeking death sentences for those convicted of serious and violent crimes.

"The prior administration failed in its duty to protect the American people by refusing to pursue and carry out the ultimate punishment against the most dangerous criminals, including terrorists, child murderers, and cop killers," Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a press release. "Under President Trump's leadership, the Department of Justice is once again enforcing the law and standing with victims."

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.

A a new banner featuring an image of US President Donald Trump is displayed on the facade of the US Department of Justice headquarters, in Washington, DC, February 20, 2026. DREW ANGERER AFP via Getty Images

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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 9:10 AM.

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