Bill Lee: “That disproportionately affects African-American men, and it really is a barrier to moving forward in terms of becoming…”

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.

There are a lot of questions. The people of our state deserve to have those questions answered.

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.

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