The Department of Justice has instructed the Bureau of Prisons to broaden federal execution procedures, introducing both pentobarbital injections and the option of firing squads. This step is part of a wider policy effort to reinforce the application of the federal death penalty.

According to reports, the directive was detailed in an internal memo, with officials stating that the goal is to ensure that sentences are carried out once all legal appeals have been completed.

The department indicated it will reinstate lethal injection protocols previously used, while also adding alternative methods such as firing squads. In addition, internal processes are expected to be adjusted to make the handling of death penalty cases more efficient.

Beyond execution methods, officials are reviewing the capacity of federal death row facilities and considering the possibility of expanding infrastructure to accommodate future needs.

The DOJ is also exploring regulatory changes aimed at shortening the appeals process, particularly in areas like federal habeas review, which can extend cases for many years. Reducing delays has been identified as a priority in order to move cases forward more quickly.

These actions follow broader signals of support for capital punishment policy, with an emphasis on ensuring that existing laws are fully implemented.