Tennessee Lawmaker Issues Apology After Proposing Method of Execution
Tennessee Rep. Paul Sherrell (R-Sparta) apologized after proposing a way to execute criminals. The Tennessean noted Sherrell made the proposal during a criminal justice committee meeting earlier this week as lawmakers…
Tennessee Rep. Paul Sherrell (R-Sparta) apologized after proposing a way to execute criminals.
The Tennessean noted Sherrell made the proposal during a criminal justice committee meeting earlier this week as lawmakers talked about an amendment to a bill that would allow the execution method of death by firing squad.
“I was just wondering, could I put an amendment on that that would include hanging by a tree, also,” Sherrell said.
Watch the video below:
Sherrell received criticism from several on Twitter.
Check out the responses below:
https://twitter.com/jandel13134/status/1631184077092012032
https://twitter.com/realteddavid/status/1631309383870054400
In a statement, Sherrell apologized for his “very poor judgement.”
He added, “My exaggerated comments were intended to convey my belief that for the cruelest and most heinous crimes, a just society requires the death penalty in kind.”
The statement continues, “Although a victim’s family cannot be restored when an execution is carried out, a lesser punishment undermines the value we place on protecting life.”
He then “sincerely” apologized to “anyone who may have been hurt or offended.”