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.”
Tennessee Rep. Dennis Powers (R-Jacksboro), sponsor of the bill, explained to the committee the firing squad could be an option for Tennessee Department of Correction.
“It’s the most humane, and quickest and most effective method,” Powers said. “Right now, we need to have another option for them.”
The Department of Correction’s website explained, “Prior to 1913, the method of execution was hanging and there are few records of those executed by this method.”
According to the website, “From 1913 to 1915, there was no capital punishment in Tennessee. C. Rye was Governor during the first execution by electrocution. From 1916 until 1960, 125 persons were executed by electrocution in Tennessee. In 2000, lethal injection replaced electrocution as the primary method of execution. In September, 2007 the first electrocution in 47 years was carried out.