Bill Lee: “I think it is our moral obligation to really help those who are falling through the cracks and have nowhere to go now.”

Carrying out a lawfully imposed sentence is among the State’s most serious responsibilities, and the people of Tennessee expect it to be done in a manner that is not only legal and constitutional, but is effective.

It’s a tragedy, and it’s deeply disturbing that that has happened in this state. The people deserve better than that.

I will seek an independent investigation and pause all executions for the rest of 2026.

So far as we know, the Department of Correction followed exactly the protocol that was outlined and vetted and approved by the attorney general’s office.