A firing squad is a method of execution where a group of shooters, typically military personnel, is assigned to carry out the death penalty. The condemned person is usually positioned at a designated spot, and the shooters aim at the heart or vital organs to ensure a quick death. This method is often used in military contexts or for serious crimes in some jurisdictions.
The firing squad typically consists of several shooters, with one or more using blank ammunition to create uncertainty about who delivered the fatal shot. This practice is intended to lessen the psychological burden on the shooters. Firing squads have been used historically in various countries, including during wartime and for political executions.