Bill Lee: “But you are still cutting their budget, Madam Secretary. And that is going to mean that we will have less civil rights…”

There are a lot of questions.

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

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