Idaho legalizes execution by firing squad.

Idaho Governor Brad Little signed a bill allowing execution by firing squad, making it the fifth state in the US to allow this method. Little said he signed the bill to ensure that lawful criminal sentences are carried out and because of his support for the death penalty. The state has struggled to acquire the drugs necessary for lethal injections, and the new law directs the director of the Idaho Department of Corrections to determine whether lethal injection is available within five days of a death warrant being issued. If not, a firing squad will be used. The law will go into effect on July 1.