WASHINGTON — The U.S. Justice Department announced Friday it is expanding federal execution methods to include firing squads, reinstating lethal injection protocols from the first Trump administration and streamlining processes to expedite capital punishment cases as part of a broader push to strengthen the federal death penalty.

The move fulfills a directive from President Donald Trump on his first day in office to prioritize seeking and carrying out death sentences for the most serious federal crimes. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued guidance directing the Bureau of Prisons to update its execution protocol to include additional constitutional methods currently authorized in certain states, explicitly naming the firing squad alongside lethal injection using pentobarbital.

“Among the actions taken are readopting the lethal injection protocol utilized during the first Trump Administration, expanding the protocol to include additional manners of execution such as the firing squad, and streamlining internal processes to expedite death penalty cases,” the Justice Department said in a statement.

The announcement comes amid ongoing challenges in obtaining lethal injection drugs due to pharmaceutical companies’ reluctance to supply them for executions. Firing squads, though rare in modern U.S. history, remain authorized in a handful of states and are viewed by proponents as a reliable backup method. The last federal execution occurred in 2021 during Trump’s first term.

Critics immediately condemned the decision as a step backward for humane punishment and due process. Death penalty opponents, civil rights groups and some religious leaders called the revival of firing squads barbaric and unnecessary in an era when many states have moved away from capital punishment. Several Democratic lawmakers vowed to challenge the policy in court, arguing it raises constitutional concerns under the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.

Supporters, including some conservative lawmakers and victims’ rights advocates, praised the move as a necessary tool to ensure justice for the most heinous federal crimes, including terrorism, mass murder and certain drug-related killings. They argue that when lethal injection drugs are unavailable, alternative methods like firing squads provide a constitutional and effective option.

The Justice Department emphasized that the changes aim to clear backlogs on federal death row and respond to Trump’s executive order directing the department to prioritize capital cases. There are currently around 40 federal inmates on death row, with executions halted during the Biden administration.

Legal experts note that while states like Utah, Mississippi and South Carolina have used or authorized firing squads in recent years, federal adoption represents a significant policy reversal. The protocol would likely involve a team of marksmen aiming at the heart from a set distance, with one rifle loaded with a blank to diffuse responsibility.

The announcement has ignited fierce debate across political and social lines. Progressive organizations called it a return to “medieval” practices, while conservative commentators framed it as restoring law and order. Public opinion polls on the death penalty remain divided, with support generally higher for certain federal crimes like terrorism.

Civil liberties groups warned that expanding execution methods could lead to rushed proceedings and increased risk of error in capital cases. They pointed to past exonerations of death row inmates and concerns about racial disparities in sentencing. The American Civil Liberties Union vowed legal challenges to any implementation of the new protocols.

The Justice Department’s action also includes efforts to expedite internal reviews and appeals processes for death penalty cases. Officials cited difficulties obtaining lethal injection drugs as a primary reason for exploring alternatives, noting that several pharmaceutical companies have policies against supplying execution drugs.

Death penalty experts say firing squads have a long but limited history in the United States. Utah carried out the last firing squad execution in 2010 before shifting away, though some states have reinstated the option as a backup. Federal adoption would mark a notable expansion of its use in modern times.

The policy shift reflects broader Trump administration priorities on crime and justice. In his first term, the administration carried out 13 federal executions after a 17-year hiatus, the most in any single administration in decades. The current moves signal intent to resume and accelerate that pace.

As reactions poured in Friday, the announcement dominated headlines and social media discussions. Victims’ families of federal capital cases expressed mixed emotions — relief at the prospect of finality for some, while others focused on the broader moral questions surrounding state-sanctioned killing.

For now, the Justice Department has laid the groundwork for firing squads as an option, but actual implementation would require further procedural steps, legal challenges and selection of specific cases. The development ensures the federal death penalty will remain a contentious issue throughout Trump’s second term.

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SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee delivered one of the most memorable moments of the young 2026 MLB season Friday, crushing a majestic home run that splashed into McCovey Cove during a game against the Miami Marlins, sending fans into a frenzy and quickly going viral across baseball highlight reels.

The 27-year-old South Korean star, in his third MLB season, launched the ball off Marlins pitcher Jesús Luzardo in the later innings, clearing the right-field wall at Oracle Park and landing in the waters of McCovey Cove for what is believed to be his first career splash hit. MLB’s official YouTube channel promptly posted the highlight, which garnered tens of thousands of views within hours.

Lee’s powerful swing produced a high drive that carried far beyond the right-field fence, delighting the Oracle Park crowd that erupted in cheers as the ball made contact with the water. Commentators noted the rarity and beauty of the moment, comparing it to legendary splash hits by Barry Bonds during his Giants tenure. “He got both cheeks into it,” one broadcaster remarked as the replay showed the ball’s trajectory.

The home run came at a pivotal point in the contest and underscored Lee’s growing comfort and power at the plate this season. After dealing with adjustments in his first two MLB campaigns, the former KBO star has shown marked improvement in plate discipline and extra-base power. Giants fans and analysts have praised his smooth swing and ability to drive the ball to all fields.

Lee, who signed a six-year, $113 million contract with the Giants before the 2024 season, has steadily built his reputation as a reliable leadoff hitter and defensive standout in center field. Friday’s splash homer marked a career highlight and fueled optimism that he is entering his prime as a complete player in Major League Baseball.

Giants manager Bob Melvin was visibly pleased postgame, noting Lee’s consistent approach and the joy the moment brought to the team and fans. “Jung Hoo works extremely hard, and moments like this are a reward for that dedication,” Melvin said. “It’s special to see a ball go into the cove — it’s part of what makes playing here unique.”

The Marlins, struggling early in the season, could not contain Lee’s hot bat. The Giants used the momentum from the homer to secure a victory, improving their standing in the competitive National League West. Lee’s performance has been a bright spot for a Giants team looking to contend after several transitional years.

Social media exploded with reactions to the splash hit. Giants fans celebrated with memes, highlight clips and comparisons to Bonds’ iconic shots. Korean baseball enthusiasts expressed national pride, flooding platforms with supportive messages in both Korean and English. Hashtags like #JungHooLee, #SplashHit and #GiantsNation trended quickly after the game.

Lee himself reacted humbly in postgame comments, crediting his teammates and coaches for helping him adapt to MLB pitching. “It felt good to connect,” he said through an interpreter. “McCovey Cove is famous — I’m happy the ball found the water today.” His measured response aligned with his reputation as a quiet, hard-working professional focused on team success.

Analysts see Lee’s development as a success story for international player integration. After initial adjustment struggles common for many KBO imports, he has refined his approach against major league velocity and breaking pitches. His defensive range and arm strength have also drawn praise, making him a well-rounded contributor.

The splash homer adds to Oracle Park’s rich history of memorable water landings. While not as frequent in recent years, such moments remain fan favorites and create instant lore for players. Lee joins an exclusive group of Giants who have achieved the feat, further endearing him to the San Francisco faithful.

For the Giants organization, Lee’s emergence provides long-term stability in the outfield. His contract runs through 2029 with club options, giving the team a core piece as they build around younger talent and veterans. Friday’s game served as another reminder of the excitement international stars can bring to MLB.

As highlights circulated widely, baseball fans across the globe appreciated the universal appeal of a well-struck ball meeting water. The moment transcended team loyalties, drawing praise even from rival supporters who recognized the athletic beauty of the swing.

Looking ahead, Lee will aim to build on this momentum as the Giants navigate the 2026 season. With improved power numbers and consistent contact, he could emerge as one of the league’s most complete outfielders. For now, fans and analysts alike will remember April 25, 2026, as the day Jung Hoo Lee made a splash — literally — in McCovey Cove.

The viral highlight serves as perfect baseball theater: a rising star, a signature ballpark feature, and a moment of pure joy. In a sport filled with advanced analytics and high stakes, Lee’s home run reminded everyone why fans fall in love with the game — one majestic swing at a time.