The United States witnessed a significant surge in executions in 2025, reaching the highest level in 16 years. This increase is attributed to a renewed push for capital punishment alongside a marked shift in judicial intervention by the US Supreme Court.
A Dramatic Increase in Executions
A total of 47 men were executed by states with active death penalty laws this year, nearly double the number from 2024. This represents the highest number of executions since 2009. The trend places the US further apart from most developed nations, with Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan being the only other countries to carry out executions in recent years.
This rise in executions occurs despite a two-decade-long trend of declining capital punishment rates and a recent dip in public support. Gallup polling indicates that only 52% of Americans currently support the death penalty for murder – a 50-year low – with opposition rising among those under 55.
Political and Judicial Factors
The Death Penalty Information Center notes a growing disconnect between public opinion and the actions of elected officials, suggesting that the pursuit of capital punishment may be yielding diminishing political returns. A key driver of this shift is the current presidential administration. On January 20th, an executive order was issued “Restoring the death penalty,” reversing actions taken by the previous administration to curtail federal executions and encouraging greater activity in states.
Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking, stated that the national rhetoric surrounding capital punishment, originating with the president, promotes “violence and cruelty to solve social problems.” The Department of Justice authorized over 20 new capital prosecutions this year in response to the executive order.
State-Level Variations and Evolving Methods
Florida experienced the most dramatic increase, executing 19 individuals in 2025 compared to just one in 2024, surpassing even Texas in the number of state-sponsored killings. Twelve states utilized their death chambers this year, an increase from nine in 2024, including Louisiana, which resumed executions after a 15-year hiatus.
States are also exploring increasingly controversial execution methods. Louisiana and Alabama have experimented with nitrogen gas, while South Carolina carried out the first firing squad execution since 2010. Reports following a South Carolina firing squad execution revealed potential prolonged suffering due to inaccurate targeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the increase in executions this year?
The surge in executions is attributed to the current president’s campaign to “restore the death penalty” and the US Supreme Court’s refusal to grant stays of execution.
How does public opinion on the death penalty compare to the current trend?
Public support for the death penalty is at a 50-year low, with a majority of Americans under 55 opposing it, while executions have increased significantly.
What new methods of execution are being used?
Louisiana and Alabama have experimented with nitrogen gas, and South Carolina has used a firing squad, representing a shift towards potentially more controversial methods.
Given the current political and judicial climate, it is possible that the number of executions could remain elevated in the near future. States may continue to pursue capital punishment more aggressively, and the Supreme Court’s current stance suggests limited intervention in pending cases. However, sustained public opposition could eventually influence policy decisions, potentially leading to a renewed decline in the use of the death penalty.
