Bill Lee: “We will be getting a letter, yes. And again, it should have come much sooner than this.”

I have ordered a pause on all executions for the remainder of the year.

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.

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

It’s exactly why we will have a thorough, comprehensive review of what happened, so that we can know the answers that so many people want.