Bill Lee: “I know he would want us to recommit ourselves to act to prevent further bloodshed and suffering in Sudan.”

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

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.

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.

I hope that Tennessee governor Bill Lee’s decision to postpone the last execution scheduled for this year will give lawmakers time to consider the subject seriously.